Kaduna: Troops capture 3 bandits, rescue 4 women, gunmen kidnap 21

Up to 21 people were abducted by gunmen on Friday night at Kurmin Idon, Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state, two of the victims were however rescued by police, as another one escaped.

In a related development, troops captured three kidnappers and rescued two abducted women from their kidnappers at a location close to Gadanin Gwari, Gwagwada district of Chikun local government area, a statement signed by Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, has said.  

An anonymous source told Blueprint, “In the late hours of Friday, armed men who came in large number dressed in military uniforms abducted 21 persons along Kaduna-Kachia road at Kurmin Idon village of Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state.

“The Councilor of Zonkwa Ward in Zango Kataf local government area of Kaduna state, Hon. Luka Bako, was one among the two persons that escaped from the kidnappers in the bush.

He said they ran through the bush and later found themselves at Mararaban Kajuru, where they were assisted by the villagers,” the source, who preferred not to be mentioned, said.

Aruwan, who corroborated the incident in his statement on Saturday said, “in a separate incident, police personnel rescued two persons who were abducted at Kurmin Idon axis of Kaduna-Kachia road in Kajuru local government area. The police gave the bandits a hot chase and rescued the two victims, while one other victim was able to escape on his own.

“Troops under the auspices of Operation Thunder Strike rescued two kidnapped women, close to Gadanin Gwari, Gwagwada District of Chikun local government area. 

“According to the operational feedback to the Kaduna state government, the women were suddenly abducted as they made their way to their farm. The troops on patrol tracked down the criminals and engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their captives and run for their lives.

“After securing the women, the troops pursued the bandits, destroying many bandit camps along the way. The bandits were eventually trapped in Gajina settlement also in Chikun LGA. Three of the kidnappers were apprehended and are now in custody, while the rescued women have returned to their homes.

“Furthermore, the troops of Operation Thunder Strike and the newly inducted troops of the Nigerian Army Women Corps have continued aggressive patrols along the Kaduna-Abuja highway. The patrol was hitch-free, with no incidents recorded as of yesterday (Friday). 

“Governor Nasir el-Rufai expressed his satisfaction with the reports, and commended the troops and personnel for their pro-active efforts in rescuing the victims and arresting the three bandits. He tasked them to ensure detailed investigations, and prosecution of the arrested culprits. Vigorous patrols will continue in the general area.”

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