Scores Kidnapped As Bandits Attack Commuters On Kaduna-Zaria Road

Unknown gunmen suspected to be bandits reportedly abducted scores of commuters on Thursday along the Kaduna-Zaria road.

Naija News reports that the incident was confirmed in a statement made available to newsmen today by Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu.

In his report, the army general noted that the assailants ambushed the commuters today around foundation general area within Birnin Yero Ward and whisked away an unverified number of people.

“They opened fire on commuters, during which they abducted and fled with an unconfirmed number of commuters,” Nwachukwu was quoted as saying in the statement.

Troops of the Nigerian Army, however, pursued the criminals, compelling them to leave behind five of the commuters earlier abducted on the busy road.

Nwachukwu explained further that the troops successfully rescued the kidnap victims while they also ensure the highway was immediately cleared for free flow of vehicular traffic.

One of the commuters, however, according to the Army General, sustained a gunshot injury and was evacuated immediately for medical attention.

Reacting to the development, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them not to relent until terrorism, and other criminalities are brought to an end in the region.

Nwachukwu noted further in the statement that the General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja has also urged all law-abiding citizens to continue to support the troops and other security agencies with credible and actionable information that will assist in the fight against the criminal elements.