FCT Insecurity: One Killed As Police Rescue 58 Abducted Victims

An abducted victim, Tama Jonathan, was killed on Sunday as men of the Nigerian Police from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and bandits exchange gun fire while rescuing 58 abducted victim from Udulu Forest, Gegu council area of Kogi state. 

The forest borders other known bandits and kidnapper's dens, including the Sardauna Forest, Nasarawa state.

Command image maker, SP Josephine Adeh, who made the disclosure, explained that the victim sustained gun wounds and died on the spot while 58 others were safely rescued. 

“... one Tama Jonathan, unfortunately, sustained injury during the rescue operation and died on the spot. His remains have subsequently been released to his family for burial. The other 58 rescued victims are being stabilised in the hospital and would be reunited with their families,” the PPRO said.

According to her, the bandits opened fire on sighting the police team which responded in kind until the bandits fled and abandoned their victims. 

“The bandits, on sighting the security team coordinated by the police, fired at the team, which resulted in a duel. Overpowered, they escaped with bullet injuries, leaving behind their victims.

She added that the rescue mission is part of efforts by the FCT command to rid the nation's capital and environs of bandits 

“The rescue is part of efforts by the command, in a sustained joint operation with other security agencies, vigilante groups and hunters from the various communities, to combat violent crimes in the FCT, rescue victims and bring perpetrators to book.”

Incidents of kidnap and other forms of insecurity appear to be on the increase in the FCT leading to fears among residents. However, the police commissioner, Haruna Garba, has vowed that the command is ready to deal with all forms of insecurity, going forward.