No fewer than three kidnapped victims have been rescued and eight bodies were recovered on Wednesday by Army troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke in Taraba State.
The Nigerian Army confirmed this in a statement released on its official Twitter account on Thursday.
According to the Army’s statement, the operation, headed by Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, was carried out in reaction to an attack on an 18-seater bus along Maraban-Baisa in Donga Local Government Area, which resulted in the disappearance of 15 passengers, including a baby.
The statement partly read, “One of the key incidents that prompted the military response was an attack on an 18-seater bus at Gamkwe Village along Maraban-Baisa in Donga Local Government Area, resulting in the disappearance of 15 passengers, including a baby.
“This incident led to the blocking of a crucial road in the area. Through diligent patrolling and search efforts, the troops were able to clear the roadblock and thoroughly search the surrounding villages of Gankwe, Aakar, Gidan Adamu, and Magudu, ultimately recovering eight bodies, including that of a missing baby.
“Additionally, upon receiving intelligence on armed militias surrounding Sanso village in Donga Local Government Area, the troops swiftly mobilised to the location.
“It was revealed that the militias had arrived at Sanso from Anu village using a wooden canoe via the River Donga before carrying out their nefarious attack.
“The militias stole valuable items, including motorcycles, and kidnapped several villagers.
“In response, the troops engaged in a pursuit operation, resulting in the successful rescue of three female kidnapping victims and the recovery of four motorcycles, along with significant quantities of grain. The military forces also took action to disrupt the activities of the armed militias in the area.”
Furthermore, the statement read that while appreciating the Commander for the swift responses and restoring peace to the communities, the Chairman of Donga Local Government Area, Ezra Voka, assured the military of continuous and prompt information and intelligence support.
