69 persons that were abducted by bandits have been rescued by the Bauchi State government with the combined efforts of security agents and vigilantes, after raiding the bandits’ hideouts and intensifying patrols on their routes in the state.
The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Nuhu Zaki Bauchi revealed this while fielding questions from pressmen on infiltration of bandits, kidnappers in Toro, Alkaleri, Tafawa Balewa, and Ningi local government areas of the State.
Abdulrazaq Zaki stated that the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed took the bull of insecurity by the horn by leading the battle against the activities of bandits when he visited the affected areas, adding that after commiserating with the people, the governor encouraged them to resist the kidnappers.
He said, “the governor equally boosted the morals of the Council Chairmen, Vigilantes, traditional rulers, security personnel and all stakeholders. With the backing of the state government, we mobilized ourselves along with the security and vigilantes and stormed the forest, fearlessly. We confronted the bandits and they fled but our men continued to advance towards them.
” The council chairmen reported to us that the total number of people abducted by the kidnappers are 69 and all of them were rescued. Many of them were brought and kept in Bauchi by their abductors, but we were able to secure their release and they have been reunited with their families.”
According to him, the Governor partnered with his Taraba and Plateau State counterparts to intensify patrols along the routes followed by the bandits in their borders to frustrate their activities.
The Commissioner commended the vigilantes, security agencies and the affected communities and said that the dislodgement of the bandits would improve security in the areas that are terrorized by the bandits.
He added, “recently, we had strangers that came to the state with camels and cows. They are in Lame Burra Forest. In a swift reaction, the government sent security personnel and government officials to know their mission in the state. The government concluded that if they are good people, they will be allowed to stay, but if they are criminals, they will be sent away from the state.”
