•Our eyes set on ending insecurity —Defence Minister
From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Troops of joint military operation code named, “Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS),on Sunday, rescued 8 kidnapped travellers along Akaa- Akundo community in Zaki Biam, Ukum LGA of the state.
Recalled that last week, the troops had rescued six persons including a serving corp member who was traveling from Taraba to the East.
Peoples Daily learnt that 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 which is part of OPWS, rescued the 8 kidnapped passengers on 17th October, 2024 at about 7:30 pm.
They gave the names of the rescued victims to includes; Mr. Oliver Eze, a 40 years old driver; Mr. Obi Valentine, 32 years old, Nasuru Abubarka, 18 years old; Evangelist John Udhemuburu, 64 years; Bulus Bukar, 23 years; Samuel Chukwudi, 18 years; Joseph Ejeh, 37 years and Alex Okafor, 42 years respectively.
Some of the victims who spoke to journalists in Makurdi, thanked the military for their prompt intervention.
The driver of the bus who conveyed the passengers, identified as Oliver Eze, said they were 10 in numbers from Onitsha to Taraba State at about 7:30pm when they arrived Akaa – Akundo settlement between Zaki -Biam to Kyado, in Ukum local government area, when they came under attack.
“It was along Zaki- Biam – Wukari road they stopped us at a check point that was mounted by some armed men wearing army uniforms and we mistook them to be soldiers.
“Several other vehicles were also parked by the roadside, and I was asked to park and ordered down with the passengers and forced to lie face down .
“Two of the passengers were taken away from the vehicle by the gunmen into the bush, and cash worth millions of naira was collected from them, including traveling bags, phones and other valuables.
‘In the process of their operations, they spotted the Joint Military Operations Team vehicle and took to their heels. This is where we got to know that they were Kidnappers.”
