Troops rescue 13 kidnap victims, after gun battle in Kaduna

Troops have rescued about 13 kidnap victims in the Gwagwada community of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, made the disclosure in a statement made available on Wednesday.

The statement said the troops had carried out the operation after receiving credible intelligence of the abduction.

It added that the troops “trailed the bandits to a forest near Bana village and there engaged them in a gun duel. The 13 citizens were thus rescued.”

According to the statement, those rescued include Kenth Yusuf, Izra Ali, Josiah Luka, Istifanus Suman, Helen Ibrahim, Justina Gofwen, Ibrahim Madaki, Biyaya Yusuf, Sani Bello, Lucy Dada, Anayi Ezekiel, Benjiman Daniel and Musa  Usman.

“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. They were attacked by the armed bandits in the process,’’ the statement said.

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“After the operations, 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 statement added, “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.’’