The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued 20 additional kidnapped victims abducted when the Emir of Potiskum in Yobe State, Alhaji Umar Bubaram was attacked by bandits along the Kaduna – Zaria highways.

The incident took place on Tuesday, 14th January, 2020 when the convoy of the monarch was attacked by some  bandits, killing four of the aides of the emir while several others were kidnapped.

The police had denied that 30 persons were killed while 100 kidnapped by the bandits when the incident occurred. The  Ansaru militant group had since  claimed responsibility of that attack.

However, between Wednesday and Thursday night,  the police had confirmed 40 kidnapped victims were rescued by the operatives of the command.

The Kaduna Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo in a statement released to newsmen( 9:34pm) on Thursday night, announced the rescue of additional 20 victims from the attack on January 14th.

Sabo said:”The Kaduna State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that, in pursuance to its determination to secure the unconditional release of all kidnapped victims in the state, has rescued twenty (20) more victims of the unfortunate kidnapping incidence that occurred on the 14/1/2020 along Kaduna – Zaria Road today. 

“The victims are identified as; (1) Isa Sanni, (2) Shitu Azeez Olalekan, (3) Kadiri Nurudeen, (4) Raheem Rasheed, (5) Idris Yahaya, (6) Usman Abdullahi, (7) Isiyaku Jibrin, (8) Abubakar Mohammed, (9) Mu’azu Ibrahim, (10) Musa Alsami, (11) Haruna A. Ayuba, (12) Yau Sanusi, (13) Sunday Istifanus, (14) Thomas Joseph, (15) Olowoyeye A. Samuel, (16) Adamu Sani, (17) Usaini Haruna, (18) Sani Musa, (19) Ibrahim Hassan and (20) Adamu Ibrahim. Two of the victims had earlier paid ransom but were not released until their rescue by the Police.

“The latest success followed the eleven (11) victims rescued on the 21st and 22nd of January, 2020 at Maidaro and Kaduna-Zaria axis respectively in addition to the nine (9) victims of the same incident who were intercepted by our operatives while on Man-Hunt Operation  of the fleeing bandits within the Giwa axis. 

“All the rescued victims have been debriefed by the Commissioner of Police CP Umar M. Muri and were supported to reunite with their respective families.

“The Command wishes to reiterate its assurance to the good people of Kaduna State of continued battle against criminals and criminality with a view to reducing crime to the barest minimum. The Commissioner of Police therefore, enjoins the general public to continue to support the Command on this noble course.”