A commercial driver, known only as Emeka, tragically lost his life after being fatally attacked by suspected kidnappers who subsequently abducted five passengers. The group was traveling from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State, when the unfortunate incident occurred.
According to multiple reports, the attack took place last weekend between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village, located in Niger State. The police command in the state released an official statement, revealing that the attackers had carefully planned and executed an ambush against the vehicle, a Toyota bearing the registration number LND 863 YF. During the ambush, Emeka, the driver, was fatally shot, and four passengers were taken captive.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the state police command also reported the successful rescue of 19 passengers who had been kidnapped while they were on a journey from Sokoto to Bayelsa. This case highlights the risks travelers face on certain routes.
The 19 individuals, traveling in a Toyota Bus with the registration number LG 08 DGS, were intercepted and abducted by kidnappers along the Tegina-Zungeru road in Niger State on November 1, 2024. After being attacked, they were taken into a nearby forest area where they were held captive until the rescue efforts took place.
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed both incidents in an official statement issued on Monday, highlighting that the victims from each scenario had been rescued unharmed and provided with necessary care.
Abiodun detailed that on November 3, 2024, at approximately 6 a.m., an attack was reported involving suspected kidnappers who had targeted a vehicle with registration number LND 863 YF traveling from Yawuri in Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.
“The ambush occurred between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village,” stated Abiodun. He explained that the attackers fatally shot the driver, Emeka, and abducted five passengers from the vehicle.
Following the incident, a joint security tactical team swiftly responded by launching a search operation throughout the Kattako forest, located in Rafi Local Government Area.
Abiodun noted, “The team successfully rescued four of the kidnapped passengers unhurt, and concerted efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe release of the last remaining victim who is still in captivity.”
Addressing the separate case involving the 19 passengers abducted while traveling from Sokoto to Bayelsa, Abiodun described how joint security forces applied intense pressure on the kidnappers, leading to the safe recovery of all passengers.
“Immediately following the November 1 attack, our security operatives pursued the kidnappers, resulting in the recovery of twelve victims on November 2 in the Pangugari forest, located in Rafi LGA,” he stated. Abiodun further mentioned that the security teams continued operations that same day, enabling them to rescue the remaining seven individuals later that evening, which brought the total number of rescued victims to 19.
“Upon being freed, the victims were provided with medical treatment at a nearby clinic, and they were safely transported back to Sokoto on November 3,” Abiodun disclosed.