5 Kidnapped Persons Rescued In Taraba

Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued five kidnapped persons who were recently abducted by yet-to-be-identified armed men in Wukari local government area of Taraba State.

It was reported that seven persons were, on October 2, whisked away at Kasuwan Shanu along the Wukari–Zaki Biam road to an unknown destination.

ASP James Lashen Saminu, the Command’s public relations officer, in a statement issued to newsmen in Jalingo, said the successful operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Army.

“Information was received through a phone call that a red Toyota Carina II with registration number BSA 766AE, driven by Terna Gbaya, male, of Zaki-Biam, carrying seven passengers, was stopped by unknown armed men who moved the passengers out and forced them into the bush.

“Upon receiving the distress information, the DPO of Wukari Division mobilised his men in collaboration with the military, visited the scene, and gave the abductors a hot pursuit, which led to the release of five occupants who were subsequently rescued by the joint team,” the statement said.

Those rescued from the kidnappers included Musa Adamu, male, of Tella, Gassol local government; and Comfort Iyofar, female, of Vasse, Wukari, all from Taraba State. Others were Rose Sor, female, of Kyuwande local government; Lydia Vyiashima, female, of Kwanshishi local government, and Terna Gbaya, male, of Zaki-Biam, all from Benue State.

The statement further said: “Efforts are ongoing to track down the culprits for the possible rescue of the other victims and their arrest.”

The Taraba State commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, commended the gallant officers involved in the operation and assured the public that the command would spare no effort in ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Taraba State.