The Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Muhammed Mahmood, and his daughter have been kidnapped along Kaduna-Abuja Highway.

A statement by the Kaduna State Command of the Nigeria Police Force disclosed that the UBEC Chairman’s driver was killed in the process.

According to the statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo,

“Today 29/04/19 we received information through DPO Katari that at about 1530hrs, he got a distress call that Armed Men in military uniform intercepted a Land Cruiser Jeep with Reg. No 07E o4 FG and Toyota Sienna with Reg. No SLJ 465 TN at Kurmin Kare Village along Kaduna – Abuja Express Way.

“They opened fire on the vehicles in the process the driver of the jeep was shot dead while the occupants; Dr. Muhammad Abubakar who is the chairman of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and his daughter were kidnapped.

“The occupants of the Sienna; one Alowonle Olalere and Onuka Victor both of Ibadan Oyo State were injured and rescued to Katari Police Station.

“They were said to be returning from Kano where they went to shoot a film titled ‘the last step’.

“Combined Teams of PMF Men, Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command, Special Forces and Operations Yaki were quickly mobilized to the area with a view to combing the bush for possible rescue of the victims and arresting the criminals. IGP’S IRT was also contacted for technical support in tracking the hoodlums. At the moment, the two vehicles were recovered to station.” 

The statement further said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Abdur-Rahman appealed to members of the public to support the Police with relevant information that could assist in apprehending the perpetrators of this heinous act.

He said the command will not be deterred in its efforts to bring crime to the barest minimum in the State.

“CP Ahmad said the hoodlums are only testing our collective will and we cannot relent,” The statement read.