A tragic attack by suspected kidnappers claimed the life of a driver named Emeka and led to the abduction of five passengers during a journey from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.
The incident occurred on Sunday, November 3, 2024, along a remote stretch between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village in Niger State.
The kidnappers reportedly ambushed the Toyota vehicle with the license plate LND 863 YF, firing at the driver and fatally wounding Emeka. After seizing control, the assailants abducted four passengers from the vehicle and fled the scene, leaving one person still in their captivity.
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident, stating, “On November 3, 2024, at about 6 a.m., it was reported that suspected kidnappers attacked a vehicle with registration number LND 863 YF travelling from Yawuri in Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State. The incident took place between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village, leading to the abduction of five persons and the unfortunate death of the driver, Emeka.”
Abiodun further detailed that a swift response from a joint security tactical team led to an extensive search of the Kattako forest within Rafi Local Government Area.
“Four of the abducted passengers were rescued unhurt, and efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victim still in captivity,” he added, hinting at continued pursuit by security forces.
In a related event, the Niger State Police Command reported the safe rescue of 19 passengers who had been abducted on a different route while traveling from Sokoto to Bayelsa.
The group, attacked by kidnappers on November 1, 2024, was traveling in a Toyota Bus with registration number LG 08 DGS when they were intercepted along the Tegina-Zungeru road and taken into a nearby forest.
According to Abiodun, law enforcement quickly organized a series of rescue operations to recover the victims.
“Immediately after the November 1 attack, security operatives pursued the kidnappers, leading to the recovery of twelve victims on November 2 in the Pangugari forest, Rafi LGA,” he said.
The police continued their efforts, and by the evening, seven more victims were freed, completing the rescue of all 19 passengers.
“The victims received medical care at a nearby clinic and were safely returned to Sokoto on November 3,” Abiodun revealed, underscoring the diligent efforts of the joint security forces.
Both incidents highlight the persistence of security threats on Nigeria’s highways, but the response by security agencies offers a glimpse of hope in addressing the growing menace of kidnappings in the region.
