Soldiers rescue kidnapped monarch, driver
Attacks by bandits in Kanam Local Council of Plateau State have claimed many lives, residents of the affected villages said yesterday.
According to them, the bandits had attacked Kukawa, Gyanbahu, Dungur and Keram villages under the council and killed many people.
A Kukawa resident, Adam Musa, told journalists that many were injured during the attacks, while hundreds fled their homes, adding that security personnel were yet to reach the villages.
Musa said some of the gunmen invaded the villages about 11a.m. yesterday when the residents were going about their normal activities and started shooting sporadically.
He said the bandits razed many houses.
When contacted on the development, police spokesperson, DSP Alfred Alabo, promised to get back to journalists.
In another development, the traditional ruler of Pinau village in Wase Local Council, Dr. Dadda’u Ahmad, and his driver, who was kidnapped on Monday, have been rescued by soldiers attached to Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in the village.
According to the Acting Deputy Director of 3 Division, Rukuba Barracks Jos, Major Ishaku Takwa, said the victims had been rescued.
A resident, Ubale Pinau, said gunmen abducted the monarch and his driver on their way to Wase town.
He explained that soon after the incident was reported to soldiers in the village, they swung into action and trailed the kidnappers, rescued the victims and recovered two guns and three motorcycles.
A member of neighbourhood watch in the area, Nazifi Abubakar, said: “I was with the soldiers during the rescue operation. Soldiers and other members of the neighbourhood watch, who trailed the kidnappers to the bush, have brought the traditional ruler back to the village.
“Everyone is happy in the village now. There was a gun battle between the soldiers and the bandits before the victims were rescued. The soldiers have tried. We pray Allah to give them the strength to continue with the good job they are doing.”
