Police spoil kidnap attempt, rescue 17 passengers in Taraba

Taraba State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued 17 passengers travelling along the Wukari highway.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, James Lashan Saminu on Sunday said the incident occurred at about 11:45 pm on July 12 when suspected armed kidnappers intercepted a white Toyota bus belonging to People’s Choice Company, bearing plate number 26G-17TR.

The bus, which was conveying passengers from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, was said to have been attacked near the Federal University Wukari.

“On receiving a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of Wukari Division, Anthony Jerry, swiftly mobilised a team of police officers and collaborated with nearby military personnel.

“The security operatives advanced to the scene, causing the kidnappers to flee into the surrounding bushes.

“Although one passenger, identified as Sadiq Usman, 22, of Chamba ethnicity, was initially unaccounted for, he was later rescued unhurt after a search operation. All other passengers were reported safe and unharmed,” the police said.