A devastating attack unfolded in Niger State as a driver, Emeka, lost his life during a kidnapping incident involving five passengers traveling from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State. This shocking ambush occurred on Sunday between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village, where armed assailants targeted the vehicle, a Toyota with registration number LND 863 YF, fatally shooting Emeka and abducting four passengers.

In a separate operation, the Niger State Police Command successfully rescued 19 additional victims kidnapped on November 1 while traveling from Sokoto to Bayelsa. These individuals were attacked while aboard a Toyota bus (registration number LG 08 DGS) and taken into a forest along the Tegina-Zungeru road in Niger State.

Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police, confirmed the details in a statement released on Monday, revealing the rapid response from a joint security team. “On November 3, 2024, at about 6 a.m., it was reported that suspected kidnappers attacked a vehicle traveling from Yawuri in Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State,” Abiodun stated, recounting the tragic events that led to the death of the driver and the abduction of his passengers.

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Following the attack, police conducted an extensive search in the Kattako forest located in the Rafi Local Government Area. Their efforts resulted in the rescue of four abducted passengers, with ongoing operations aimed at securing the release of one victim still held captive.

In the earlier case of the 19 passengers from the Sokoto-Bayelsa route, Abiodun noted that intensified pressure from security forces led to a successful rescue mission. “After the November 1 attack, security operatives pursued the kidnappers and were able to rescue 12 victims on November 2 from the Pangugari forest in Rafi LGA,” he said, adding that the remaining seven were freed later that evening, totaling 19 rescued individuals.

The rescued passengers received medical treatment at a local clinic before being safely returned to Sokoto on November 3, highlighting the continued efforts of the Niger State Police to combat the rising trend of kidnappings in the region.