11 victims of Abuja-Kaduna road attack rescued

The Kaduna State Government has received briefings from security forces on Sunday’s attack by armed bandits along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, saying 11 kidnap victims have been rescued so far.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, made the disclosure in a statement posted on the verified Facebook page of the ministry on Monday after a visit of security chiefs to the location of the attack by armed bandits.

The State Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Mudassiru, alongside the Garrison Commander, One Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General UT Opune, and the representative of the State Director, Department of State Services, Mr SG Shinkafi led other security agencies to the location at Kurmin Kare, Kachia LGA, where the bandits carried out the attack which left one person dead and an unspecified number kidnapped.

“The Commissioner of Police also informed the Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, that 11 citizens were rescued while one person, Alhaji Muhammad Sagir Hamidu, Chairman and CEO of Famaks British School, lost his life,” the statement said.

It added that the vehicle used by Alhaji Hamidu was recovered by the Police.

On measures taken by the security forces, the Commissioner of Police disclosed that more men and assets have been deployed to the route, adding that the efforts of the Police were being complemented by the Military.

The Commissioner of Police also highlighted the practice of driving against the flow of traffic as a major security threat, as it exposed travelers to the risk of ghastly accidents, and also created build-ups which could be exploited by bandits.

The Garrison Commander, 1 Division Nigerian Army, also discussed measures being taken by the Military, and assured the Kaduna State Government of their commitment to the security of citizens and commuters along the route. He explained that joint security operations were currently in progress in the state’s frontline areas.

Responding, the Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs stated that Government was following the developments closely, having received assurances of commitment from the Police and Military.

Aruwan reiterated the commitment of the Kaduna State Government by way of continued provision of logistics and support to security agencies. He described the attack as a setback, stating however that the Government of Kaduna State would not be deterred by this in its security efforts.

The Commissioner fielded questions from journalists on the shutdown of telecommunication services in frontline areas, explaining that difficult situations required difficult measures.

He disclosed that successes were being recorded as a result of the shutdown, which could not be explored in detail due to the sensitivity of operations. He pleaded with citizens experiencing communication difficulties to bear with the temporary measures in view of overall security advantages.

Aruwan added that the Kaduna State acting governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, received the briefings and sent her deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack, as she prayed for the repose of their souls.