A driver, identified as Emeka, was killed on Sunday by suspected kidnappers during an attack on a vehicle travelling from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State. The incident occurred between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village in Niger State, where five passengers were abducted.

Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday.

“On November 3, 2024, at about 6 a.m., it was reported that suspected kidnappers attacked a vehicle with registration number LND 863 YF travelling from Yawuri in Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

“The incident took place between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village, leading to the abduction of five persons and the unfortunate death of the driver, Emeka,” Abiodun stated.

According to reports, the assailants targeted a Toyota vehicle with registration number LND 863 YF, fatally shooting Emeka before taking four passengers hostage.

A swift response from a joint security tactical team resulted in the rescue of the four abducted passengers, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victim.

In a separate operation, the Niger State Police Command rescued 19 passengers who had been abducted while travelling from Sokoto to Bayelsa. The kidnapping took place on November 1 along the Tegina-Zungeru road when a Toyota bus with registration number LG 08 DGS was intercepted, and the passengers were taken into a nearby forest.

He revealed that security forces swiftly launched a rescue operation following the November 1 attack, recovering 12 victims from the Pangugari forest in Rafi Local Government Area on November 2.

Later that day, seven additional victims were rescued, bringing the total number to 19. All rescued passengers received medical care at a nearby clinic and were safely returned to Sokoto on November 3.

Abiodun assured the public that security forces remain vigilant in tackling the kidnapping menace in the region.