By Sarah NEGEDU
The FCT Police Command has rescued four residents abducted by suspected kidnappers during an attack on the Yellow House area of Mpape, following a gun battle with the fleeing suspects.
The attack, which occurred at about 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, left two residents with gunshot injuries. One of the victims, identified simply as Mr. Babangida, later died in hospital, while the second victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, is responding positively to treatment.
Police said the kidnappers invaded the community, shot the two victims and forcefully marched four others through Jikoko Hills, towards Ushafa Forest, before security operatives launched a coordinated pursuit.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, immediately deployed operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, personnel of Katampe and Mpape Police Divisions, as well as the 24 Police Mobile Force Squadron, following a distress call reporting the attack.
Adeh, in a statement issued on Friday, disclosed that preliminary findings showed that the assailants had taken the four victims hostage from a nearby area and were moving them through Jikoko Hills towards Ushafa Forest.
She said the operatives maintained a relentless pursuit from the night of the incident until about 12:05 a.m. on Friday, when they located the kidnappers around Jikoko Hills heading towards Ushafa Forest with the hostages.
“On sighting the advancing operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, engaging the Police team in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“Demonstrating superior tactical capability, the operatives overwhelmed the suspects, forcing them to abandon the hostages and flee deeper into the surrounding hills and forest in a desperate attempt to evade arrest.
“All four (4) kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed, safely evacuated from the forest, and reunited with their families. While the responding Police teams remain hot on the trail of the fleeing kidnappers.”
The Commissioner of Police assured residents that the command remained fully committed to ensuring that those responsible for the attack were arrested and brought to justice.
The Commissioner of Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest Police Station or through the FCT Police Command emergency lines.
