By Desire Emmanuel
Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other hybrid forces, have rescued 21 passengers abducted by bandits along highways in Kogi State
The 12 Brigade’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed the rescue on Saturday in Lokoja.
Abdullahi said the passengers were abducted on Thursday along the Kabba-Obajana road axis, adding that two security personnel lost their lives during the rescue operation.
He added that rescue efforts had continued towards locating any remaining abductees and apprehending the perpetrators.
“Yes, it’s true. The incident happened on Thursday, and the troops are still combing the forest to apprehend the perpetrators,” Abdullahi said.
Sources had earlier reported that about 100 bandits targeted a convoy of six vehicles travelling between southern and northern Nigeria.
The source said that the attacks, which occurred around 2:00 p.m, affected a Toyota Sienna from Osogbo to Kaduna, a Toyota Hiace from Owo to Abuja.
It also added that a Toyota Hiace from Abuja to Ekiti, a Toyota Carina from Lokoja to Kabba, a Dangote truck hauling 900 bags of cement, and a J5 bus carrying pepper from Kano to Lagos, were also involved in the attacks.
The source said a joint rescue operation by the 12 Brigade, Quick Response Units (QRU), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilante and hunters engaged the bandits in a gun duel, securing the release of 21 passengers, including men, women, and infants.
“Rescued individuals include: Moses Oladimeji, Adele Jacob, Obed Onche, Babayemi and Funmilayo Ajayi, Samuel Olawoyin, Samuel Job, Jemima and Nanko Joseph, and Enenche Paulina.
“Also rescued were Bright, Rachael and Deborah Enenche (9 days old), Bukola and Toyin Clement, Glory and Faith Clement, Peter Olawale, and the drivers of the Dangote truck and J5 bus.
“Tragically, one soldier from the Oshokoshoko sector and one vigilante from Odoape were killed,” the source said.
