Suspected bandits ambushed a vehicle conveying schoolchildren from Akwando village in Kachia LGA and abducted nine people, including six students yesterday, Daily Trust newspaper reported.
It was gathered that the victims were on their way to Kachia to resume school when the attackers waylaid the vehicle.
A resident, who spoke to a journalist said the driver attempted to escape but was overwhelmed by the assailants.
The source said a student, identified as Purity Babangida, hid under the vehicle during the attack but was fatally crushed when the driver tried to escape.
Amid the chaos, it was learnt that no fewer than 15 students jumped from the moving vehicle and trekked for hours through the bush to nearby communities, including Awon, where they were received.
“They have all arrived home safely on Monday, courtesy of the security,” the source told our correspondent.
Meanwhile, families of those in captivity are in distress as they await information on their loved ones, while residents call on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure roads and protect lives.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Mansur Hassan, couldn’t be reached. Calls to his phone went unanswered and he had yet to reply to a text message sent to him at the time of filing this report.
A police source in the area, however, confirmed that the incident occurred but declined further comments.
Community demands release of victims
The Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA) condemned the attack in a statement on Monday by its Publicity Secretary, Manasseh Samuel, saying “this senseless act of violence against innocent travellers, particularly students, is deeply troubling and unacceptable.”
The statement read in part, “A total of 25 passengers, including the driver, were involved in the incident. The attack led to the abduction of the following individuals: Augustina Muntari (SS2, GSS Gumel), Happy Muntari (JS2, GSS Gumel), Favour Tanimu (JS2, GSS Kachia), Patience Joseph (JS2, GSS Kachia), Peace Irimiya (St. John), Bishara Irimiya (St. John), Irimiya Galadima, Fatu Danladi and Larba Caleb. Tragically, the attack also resulted in the loss of one life: Purity Babangida.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and stand in solidarity with them in this moment of grief. KUDA expresses great concern over the increasing rate of abductions within our communities.”
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