From Rashidat Suleiman, Minna
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has received 17 victims of kidnapping, rescued in Kaduna state by the combined efforts of the operatives of Kaduna Police Command, and the office of the National security Adviser (NSA).
The victims, comprising 15 from one household and two from another, are from Kango and Wuloto communities in Kuchi ward of Munya Local Government Area Wuloto village.
The Deputy Governor,Comrade Yakubu Garba, received the victims on behalf of the Governor on Friday at the state police headquarters in Minna,
Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving the victims, the governor commended the combined efforts of the security agencies in Kaduna, which led to the rescue of the victims.
He acknowledged the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinibu to fight insecurity to a standstill, saying there was significant improvement in the fight against insecurity and that it would soon be a history and Nigerians will go about their normal life without any fear.
Umaru Bago also appreciated the humanitarian gesture of the Kaduna state government for taking care of the victims, including medical examination, to ensure they are fit to be united with their families.
He also urged the family of the victims not to be in a haste to take back their rescued relatives, adding that the victims under the directive of the Governor Mohammed Umar Bago will remain in the custody of the government for while, to ensure that they were fully fit.
He however applauded the state Commissioner of Police and his team, as well as other security agencies in the state for their commitment in ridding the state off criminal elements, assuring that the state government will continue to accord them all the support needed.
He also solicited the support of all Nigerlites to the security agencies and to pray for the success of the Governor, saying the success of the Governor is a blessing to Niger state.
Speaking also, the state Police Commissioner, CP Adamu Elleman disclosed that the feat was achieved through an inter agency collaboration and strategic intelligence deployment by the anti-kidnapping unit of Kaduna state Police command and the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
He added that the rescue effort was through a non-kinetic approach leading to the rescue of the victims unharmed, and were taken to the office of the Inspector General of Police after being examined medically, from where he brought them back to Minna.
The Police Commissioner also restated his commitment of the state police command to rid the state of criminal elements, saying they should either repent or leave the state, hence they will be find, arrested, and properly prosecuted.
The rescued victims include:
- Williams Ubadia (15)
- Samuel Ezekiel (15)
- Duza Ezekiel (13)
- Ishaku Ishaya (12)
- Sunday Ezekiel (8)
- Jessy Friday (6)
- Rebecca Ezekiel (32)
- Jummai Ishaya (32)
- Terriza Friday (30)
- Alice Ezekiel (35)
- Victoria Ishaya (32)
- Blessing Ezekiel (20)
- Gloria Ubadia (13)
- Gift Ubadia (10)
- Charity Ezekiel (9)
- Alheri Ishaya (5), and
- Favor Ezekiel (1)