Kidnap victim killed, others rescued by police in Abuja

A gun duel between operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and some kidnappers claimed the life of a kidnap victim, Tama Jonathan.

SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement on Sunday, explained that the operation led to the rescue of at least 58 abductees.

The victims were held in Udulu Forest in the Gegu Local Government Area of Kogi State, bordering Sardauna Forest in Nasarawa State, and other identified kidnappers’ dens in communities bordering the FCT, according to the statement.

Adeh explained that the bandits and kidnappers, while sighting the security team coordinated by the police, immediately opened fire, leading to a gun battle, but were overpowered and escaped with bullet injuries, leaving behind their victims.

She explained that one Tama Jonathan sustained injury during the rescue operation and died on the spot, saying that his remains have subsequently been released to his family for burial.

The other 58 rescued victims, according to the statement, are being treated at the hospital and will be reunited with their families.

The statement said, “Rescue is part of efforts by the command’s leadership, in a sustained joint operation with other security agencies, vigilantes, and hunters from the various local communities, to combat violent crimes in the FCT, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to book.”

Haruna Garba, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, vowed that efforts are on to prevent any further threats to the safety and security of residents, adding that the command would not relent in ensuring the rescue of any resident held hostage by criminals and would also bring the perpetrators to book.