Katsina, March 22, 2024 – The Katsina State Police Command on Thursday night said14 of the 18 kidnapped passengers on the Katsina State Transport Authority (KSTA) bus had been rescued.
They were kidnapped on Thursday while travelling to Funtua from Katsina enroute Kankara Local Government area.
Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the command’s Spokesman, announced the rescue of the passengers is in a statement.
He said the rescue operation was done by a team of police officers, military men and members of the Community Watch Corps (CWC)
Aliyu said said the 14 passengers were rescued from the abductors after a fierce gun battle.
“Today, Thursday, March 21, 2024, at about 1330 hrs, some suspected armed bandits armed with dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles attacked a KTSTA bus driven by one Dabo Filalawa, m., of Filin Polo quarters, Katsina State, at Gidan Kifi village via Kankara to Marabar Kankara road, en route Funtua from Katsina, and kidnapped eighteen (18) passengers.
“Upon receipt of the report, a joint team of Police operatives attached to Kankara Divisional Police Headquarters, military, and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, swiftly mobilised and responded to the scene where they engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel and successfully rescued fourteen (14) kidnapped victims,”
“Aggressive efforts are currently being made to ensure the unhurt rescue of the remaining four (4) kidnapped victims. Further development will be communicated in due time.
“Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police urges anyone with information regarding the abduction to come forward immediately.
“You can contact the Kankara Area Command or the nearest police station. We value all credible information and will treat it with the utmost confidentiality.
“The safety and security of Katsina residents are our top priority. We are committed to apprehending those responsible for this crime and ensuring the safe return of the abducted passengers,” (GBN)
