A driver named Emeka was killed by suspected kidnappers who also abducted five passengers on a journey from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.
The tragic incident took place on Sunday between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village in Niger State.
The kidnappers are said to have attacked the vehicle, a Toyota with the registration number LND 863 YF, fatally shooting Emeka before abducting four passengers.
In a related development, the Niger State Police Command announced the successful rescue of 19 passengers who had been kidnapped while traveling from Sokoto to Bayelsa.
On November 1, 2024, a group of passengers traveling in a Toyota bus with registration number LG 08 DGS were attacked by kidnappers along the Tegina-Zungeru road in Niger State. The victims were intercepted by the suspects and taken into a nearby forest.
Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed the incidents in a statement on Monday, revealing that all the victims in both cases were rescued unharmed.
In a related incident, on November 3, 2024, at approximately 6 a.m., it was reported that suspected kidnappers had attacked a vehicle with the registration number LND 863 YF, which was travelling from Yawuri in Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.
“The incident occurred between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village, resulting in the abduction of five individuals and the tragic death of the driver, Emeka,” Abiodun confirmed.
He further explained that a joint security team acted quickly, conducting a thorough search of the Kattako forest in Rafi Local Government Area.
“Four of the abducted passengers were rescued unharmed, and efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victim still in captivity,” he added.
Regarding the abduction of the 19 passengers traveling from Sokoto to Bayelsa, Abiodun stated that pressure from the joint security forces led to the safe rescue of all the victims.
“Following the November 1 attack, security operatives pursued the kidnappers, leading to the rescue of twelve victims on November 2 in the Pangugari forest, Rafi LGA,” he explained.
Subsequent operations later that evening resulted in the rescue of the remaining seven victims, bringing the total number of those freed to 19.
“The victims were provided with medical care at a nearby clinic and safely returned to Sokoto on November 3,” Abiodun concluded
