Driver Killed, Four Passengers Abducted by Suspected Kidnappers in Niger State; 19 Other Kidnap Victims Rescued

Niger State, Nigeria – November 4, 2024

A tragic attack by suspected kidnappers on Sunday left one driver dead and four passengers abducted, following an ambush on a bus traveling from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State. The incident occurred between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village in Niger State.

The vehicle, a Toyota with registration number LND 863 YF, was attacked by the kidnappers, who fatally shot the driver, identified as Emeka, before taking four passengers into captivity. A fifth victim remains unaccounted for.

In a swift response, a joint security team launched an operation to track the perpetrators, focusing on the Kattako forest in Rafi Local Government Area. As a result, four of the abducted passengers were rescued unharmed. Authorities have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining captive.

In a separate but related development, the Niger State Police Command reported the successful rescue of 19 passengers previously abducted from a bus traveling from Sokoto to Bayelsa. The attack occurred on November 1, 2024, when the vehicle, a Toyota bus with registration number LG 08 DGS, was intercepted along the Tegina-Zungeru road. The kidnappers took the victims into a nearby forest.

Security forces pursued the suspects, leading to the rescue of 12 hostages on November 2 from the Pangugari forest in Rafi LGA. The remaining seven victims were freed the same evening, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 19. The victims received medical attention before being safely returned to Sokoto on November 3.

Niger State Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed both incidents, praising the coordinated efforts of the security forces in both rescue operations.