BY CHUWANG DUNGS
Troops of the Nigerian Army 114 Battalion of 6 brigade have rescued four kidnap victims and destroyed many bandits hideouts during clearance operations conducted around the Yorro and Zing Local Government Areas of Taraba State.
The Acting Assistant Director
6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Oni Olobodunde, revealed this in a statement issued in Jalingo on Saturday.
Olobodunde, a lieutenant said the operation was done in conjunction with other security forces.
He said the swift and decisive operation to flush out Bandits and Kidnappers disturbing the peace in Yorro LGA and its environs commenced on 2nd February 2024.
“Troops came in contact with bandits at Gampu hills and Ban Yorro area and exerted superior fire power which made the bandits flee the location leaving behind their abducted victims.
“The operation is still ongoing to ensure that other kidnapped victims who fled the area during the exchange of fire are found and reunited with their loved ones.
“The rescued kidnapped victims are Genesis Samuel age 24 from Ganku village, Benard Denis age 28 from Fulfualgon village, Esther Titus age 35 from Kosanai village and the Emir of Pupulle son who was abducted at his residence on 18 January 2024 Isma’il Umar age 25.
The Brigade is committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and dismantling all criminal infrastructure in Taraba State.
“Members of the public are urged to continue to support the military by giving credible and timely information on suspicious movements to aid in improving security within the state.” The statement reads.
Yorro and Zing have been in the news since late last year for organised crimes like kidnapping, cattle rustling, mass abduction, arson and even armed robbery.
DAYLIGHT REPORTERS gathered that within the space of a month over 100 persons were kidnapped, including the paramount ruler of Yorro and many religious leaders.
Security sources and relatives of some of the rescue victims told our reporter that millions of naira were paid to the bandits before releasing the victims.
A residents who spoke to DAYLIGHT REPORTERS on condition of anonymity said, family members of some of the victims which his brother was among contributed over N20 million to rescue 28 people from the bandits.
The activities of bandits have forced hundreds of people to leave villages in search of safety in towns.
