Security Operatives have rescued another 13 victims from bandits’ custody in Gwagwada, Chikun local government area of Kaduna State, hours after the release of the 27 students abducted from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization.
Roots TV Nigeria reported on Wednesday that the college students were released after spending almost 2 months in captivity.
Hours later, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, released a statement confirming the rescue of another 13 abductees, who were kidnapped while working on a farm in Chikun LGA.
He added that the 13 persons were rescued by troops following credible intelligence.
Aruwan said, “The 13 citizens, originally from Dutse, went to work at a farm called Tanadi Farm, which is located around Bakin Kasuwa in Gwagwada general area of Chikun LGA, when they were attacked by the armed bandits in the process.
“Troops on receiving credible intelligence of the abduction trailed the bandits to a forest near Bana village and there engaged them in a gun duel. The 13 citizens were thus rescued.
They are identified as follows: Kenth Yusuf, Izra Ali,Josiah Luka, Istifanus Suman, Helen Ibrahim, Justina Gofwen, Ibrahim Madaki, Biyaya Yusuf, Sani Bello, Lucy Dada, Anayi Ezekiel, Benjiman Daniel, Musa Usman.
“After the operation, the troops discovered that the bandits had shot two volunteers before their arrival. The two deceased were identified as: Ezekiel Iliya and Nasara Yohanna.
“The bandits also burnt a church and looted some houses in the area.
“Receiving the report, Governor Nasir EL-Rufai thanked the troops and commended them warmly for the successful rescue operation. He also commiserated with the families of the deceased volunteers, and prayed for the repose of their souls.
“The Governor also extended his sympathy to the leadership and members of the razed church over the unfortunate attack, and directed the State Emergency Management Agency to conduct an immediate assessment of the damage.”
