Police rescue two children kidnapped by bandits 19 months ago

The Nigeria police high command has rescued two children abducted by bandits in Zamfara State.

The kid’s father was at the police headquarters in Abuja where they were handed over to him.

According to one of the minors, who spoke to newsmen in Hausa, in their 19 months in captivity, they were fed with only Corn food.

The minor, Maryam, noted that all through their stay in the den of their abductors, they were traumatized, appealing that the Government should work hard to rescue a woman who was with them as a hostage.

“They fed us with corn food always. They traumatized us and we left a woman who is still in captivity with them. The government should try and help rescue her,” she said.

Deputy spokesman of the police, CSP Isuku, said the victims were abducted in Jangebe in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

“Armed bandits, riding over 60 motorcycles, invaded the residence of Honorable Aminu Ardo, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly,” Isuku said.

“In a brutal display of terror, they abducted his wife, Hauwa’u, and their four young children: Maryam, Nana Asma’u, Ummul Khairi, and Abdulrazaq.”

He explained that the abductees were taken to an unknown forest in Katsina State, enduring a harrowing journey by foot and motorcycle. Throughout their captivity, these children were sustained on meagre rations of maize and salt, drinking water from a nearby stream, Isuku said.

The police spokesman disclosed that while in captivity, Hauwa’u gave birth under extremely harsh conditions, but tragically, the newborn did not survive.

“Despite the unbearable circumstances, Hauwa’u’s strength and resolve remained unbroken. One night, during the rainy season of 2023, she managed to unchain herself and escape with two of her children, Ummul Khairi and Abdulrazaq. However, Maryam and Nana Asma’u were left behind, still in the grip of their captors,” Isuku said.

“While we celebrate this successful rescue, we remain acutely aware of the ongoing challenges in our fight against kidnapping and other forms of violent crimes. Let me emphasize that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is more determined than ever, to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes head-on.

“We also wish to, most importantly, acknowledge and appreciate the leadership and coordinating role of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), for its strategic support that led to the success of this operation amongst many others.Together, we will overcome this menace and restore peace and security to our beloved country.”