In Kebbi, 10 Rescued, Scores Still Missing, Hunters Join Battle

In Kebbi, 10 Rescued, Scores Still Missing, Hunters Join Battle

* 15 Niger kidnap victims escape from abductors

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Nigerian Army yesterday said that troops operating under the auspices of Operation Hadarin Daji, supported by Nigerian Air Force, on Saturday rescued one teacher and three students of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yawuri in Kebbi State, bringing to 10 the number of captives rescued by the military.

This is coming as no fewer than 15 people recently kidnapped by bandits in Tegina town of Niger State at the weekend escaped from their abductors

The military had on Friday rescued five Kebbi students and two teachers but one of the students died of exhaustion.

A statement issued yesterday by the Army said more troops were deployed to dominate the forest and deny the bandits freedom of operation.

THISDAY gathered that hunters have also joined in the search-and-rescue operation.

Over 80 students, mostly girls and teachers of the school, were abducted by armed bandits last week.

The statement issued by Army Spokesman, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, said one teacher and three more students were rescued on Saturday.

“Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the auspices of Operation Hadarin Daji supported by Nigerian Air Force have rescued more abductees of the FGC Birnin Yawuri.

“One teacher and three students were rescued yesterday at Makuku, in the ongoing search and rescue operations”, it said.

The army statement said “troops also killed one bandit and recovered nine motorcycles and four handsets from the fleeing bandits.”

It said “additional troops have also been deployed to dominate the forest and deny the bandits freedom of action”.

The statement recalled that two teachers and five students were earlier on Friday, June 18, 2021, rescued by troops in a coordinated fire-fight with the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 15 people recently kidnapped by bandits in Tegina town of Niger State at the weekend escaped from their Abductors.

The 15 people were among the adults abducted along with the 156 pupils of the Salihu Tanko Islamic school more than two weeks ago.

THISDAY learnt that after their abduction, the adults were separated from the children and taken into Zamfara forests, while the children were kept in another location yet unknown.

It was reliably learnt that on Friday night the 15 victims managed to open the door of the house in which they were locked in the forest after the bandits stationed to guard them were deeply asleep as a result of drunkenness.

THISDAY gathered that the escapees moved in different directions so that they will not arouse suspicion from other bandits in the forest.

One of the escapees who first arrived Tegina broke the news, which made the Niger State government to immediately swing into action to assist the remaining victims.

The escapee it was gathered, was admitted at a Medical facility in the town for treatment.

Investigation also showed that three others, among them a Councillor, a driver and one other person who escaped arrived Tegina yesterday morning.

It was gathered that one of the escapees was rescued and brought to Minna where he was also admitted at a Medical facility for treatment.

A top government official told THISDAY that that the escapee was treated, given food and new dress, adding that he will very soon be reunited with his family in Kuta.

The official told THISDAY on condition of anonymity that security operatives have now been sent to the Tegina – Birnin- Gwari road to await the arrival of the remaining 10 escapees.

“Once we get them, we will bring them to Minna for proper attention,” the source added.

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