BY GODWIN OBI

Bandits have abducted 18 children who were fetching firewood in Kasai community in Batsari Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.

The incident was said to have occurred at about 7:30am, on Monday.

A resident of the community, Suleiman Kasai, said the number of abductees could be higher as many children were on their way to fetch firewood when the incident happened.

Spokesperson of the Katsina Police Command, Abubakar Aliyu, who confirmed the abduction, said the police were collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the safe return of the children.

“Eighteen children who went to get firewood were kidnapped by bandits. At the moment, we are collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the safe return of the children and to apprehend the perpetrators. Further development will be communicated,” Aliyu said.

There has been a spike in the spate of abductions for ransom in Nigeria’s northern region, in recent times.

Police celebrate rescue of 28 abducted girls

In a related development, Less than 24 hours after they were abducted by suspected terrorists, on Monday morning, the Katsina State Police Command said its men have succeeded in rescuing 28 girls from their fleeing abductors, in Batsari Local Government Area.

“The collaborative effort of the dedicated rescue team, in conjunction with the strategic approach taken by the command, resulted in the release of all the abducted victims,” the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadique Aliyu, said in a statement, yesterday.

He attributed the success to “perseverance and commitment” of the command’s officers and men.

The statement reads: “On April 1, 2024, at about 1030 hrs, 28 girls who went to the outskirts of Kasai village, Batsari Local Government Area, Katsina State, with intent to fetch firewood, were abducted by kidnappers.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, swiftly deployed operatives to the scene, tasked with the unhurt rescue of the victims. Thanks to the unwavering efforts and increased pressure exerted by the command, the victims, who were held against their will, have now regained freedom and are safe and sound.

“The abductors, following the escalation of pressure and the concerted actions of the command, in collaboration with all relevant security stakeholders in the state, ultimately released all the victims on the same day, at about 2240hrs. This success is a testament to the perseverance and commitment of the command as well as everyone involved in the operation. Efforts to ensure the safety and security of the community and the state will continue unabated.”

Katsina has a total of 34 local government areas with Batsari as one of the 23 frontline locations where bandits hold sway, terrorising residents and abducting others for ransom.

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