Security operatives in Katsina State operating under the codename: EYE foiled a kidnap attempt on Funtua-Gusau Road, rescuing 50 passengers late night Monday, 6th May 2024.

However, the police source said authorities are searching for five passengers who are unaccounted for and are suspected to be missing due to the trauma of the attack.

Narrating the ordeal, the Police source said the armed bandits set up a barricade near Ungwar Boka mine along Funtua-Gusau Road, and subsequently opened fire on two vehicles – a luxury bus belonging to God Bless Ezenwata (Nig.) Ltd. traveling from Sokoto to Onitsha, and a Volkswagen Golf en route from Gusau to Zaria. Both vehicles loaded with passengers, lost control and veered off the road as a result.

He further revealed that upon receipt of the information, a Police patrol team (Operation EYE) using the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) swiftly responded and arrived at the scene to find the bandits attempting to abduct passengers. On noticing their presence, the bandits fled into the nearby bush. The security team however returned fire which eventually forced the attackers to abandon their hostages.

According to the source, a total of 45 passengers were rescued from the luxury bus, most of Igbo descent while five additional passengers were rescued from the Golf with registration No: DKA-12YF.

He however noted that all of the hostages were rescued unharmed and are currently under safe custody of the police authorities. The luxury bus was also retrieved from the bush and brought to the station for safekeeping, he said.

Culled from Vanguard