The Taraba State Police Command has foiled an attempted kidnapping and rescued 17 passengers travelling along the Wukari highway.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, James Saminu, disclosed the incident in a statement issued to journalists in Jalingo on Sunday.
The statement discloed that the attack occurred around 11:45 pm on July 12, when suspected armed kidnappers intercepted a white Toyota bus belonging to People’s Choice Company, with registration number 26G-17TR.
The bus was conveying passengers from Enugu to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, when it came under attack near the Federal University, Wukari.
“On receiving a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of Wukari Division, Anthony Jerry, swiftly mobilised a team of police officers and collaborated with nearby military personnel.
“The security operatives advanced to the scene, causing the kidnappers to flee into the surrounding bushes,” the statement read.
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While one passenger, identified as Sadiq Usman, 22, of Chamba ethnicity, was initially reported missing, he was later found unharmed following a search operation.
All other passengers were safely rescued.
The state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Simon, commended the officers for their prompt action and reaffirmed the command’s commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to combating kidnapping in the state.
He also urged residents to support security efforts by promptly reporting suspicious activities.
