Nine kidnap victims have told the story of how they were abducted from their Matoku Community, Patigi Local Government Area in Kwara State on September 24, before their rescue by the Nigerian Army troops of the 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the kidnapped victims were intercepted by troops at Essalu Community, in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescued victims, which included four males and five females, gave their names as Mr Abdullahi Umar, aged 35; Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa, aged 55; Mr Labaran Abubakar, aged 45; and Mr Umar Yanda, aged 30.
Others were Mrs Hassana Muhammad, aged 25; Mrs Maryam Muhammad, aged 27; Mrs Aisha Idris, aged 20; and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, aged 12.
The victims, who regained freedom on Monday, October 13, told the rescuing army troops that the bandits raided their village, kidnapped several persons and rustled unconfirmed number of cattle.
The NA 2 Division’s acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Polycarp Okoye, said in a statement that the rescue was made during a night patrol along Egbe-Okuran in Kogi State, and Okoloke through Patigi in Kwara in continuation of sustained operations against criminal elements operating within Area of Responsibility (AOR),
The 2 Division Army spokesman noted: “The milestone achievement was as a result of the continued extensive clearance operations by troops of 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kogi and Kwara States.
“The victims further narrated that the bandits who held them hostage suddenly became apprehensive, resulting from our troops’ sustained operations in the area.
“Consequently, they (terrorists) were compelled by circumstances to abandon them and flee.”
Lt. Col. Okoye stated further that the victims were administered first aid treatment and provided with food while the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army/Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, addressed them before they were handed to Patigi LGA authority to aid reunion with their families.
The GOC thereafter proceeded to Lata, in Patigi LGA, where he applauded troops of both 12 and 22 Brigades, for their continued synergy and collaboration towards achieving operational efficiency.
He spoke on the Nigerian Army continuous campaign through an appeal to the general public to always avail the troops of credible information that would aid in fighting insecurity and effectively securing lives and property of Nigerians.
