The Sokoto State Command of the Department of State Services, DSS, has handed over seven rescued kidnap victims to the state government, less than 24 hours after they were abducted.
Narrating how the victims were rescued, DSS Director, Sokoto Command, Abdulfatah Olawuno said his men on duty received a distress call that bandits had taken over Gundungul Village, as a result of which they swung into action to secure the village.
“While on their way to Gundungul village, the DSS personnel engaged the bandits, who later ran into the bush with the abducted villagers, and were chased by our men who less than 24 hours rescued the kidnapped victims.
“The bandits had earlier killed two villagers in Gundungul village before abducting the rescued persons.
“All the seven rescued victims were earlier subjected to a medical examination by the Service, prior to this handing them over to the state government,” Olawuno said.
The SDS further reassured the service’s readiness to secure the state and appealed for support from the good people of Sokoto state.
Receiving the kidnapped victims on behalf of the state government, Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, commended the DSS for the feat which he described as a welcome development.
He reassured the security agencies in the state of the administration’s continued support to fully secure the state.
“We commend the DSS for this feat and as a responsible government, we shall continue to support the service and other security outfits to discharge their constitutional duties diligently,” Sifawa stated.
He further assured the people of the state of the administration’s commitment to protect their lives and property at all times, and called for more fervent prayers to the present leadership to succeed.
The SSG also announced the state government’s assistance of N100,000 to each of the rescued victims who have been reunited with their various families.
