Three kidnapped victims have been rescued by men of the Nigerian Army, with eight bodies and four motorcycles discovered in Taraba, authorities said in a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement released on 14th March 2024, by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni stated that the Army in a strategic mission to address the ongoing threat posed by violent extremists in Southern Taraba and surrounding regions, the troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) conducted successful operations that were led by the Commander, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa on 13 March 2024.
“During the operations, the troops rescued three kidnapped victims, while also recovering eight bodies and four motorcycles. The coordinated efforts of the military forces were instrumental in achieving these outcomes.
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,” Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, added.
Additionally, upon receiving intelligence on armed militias surrounding Sanso village in Donga Local Government Area, the troops swiftly mobilized 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 kidnap victims and the recovery of four motorcycles, along with significant quantities of grains. The military forces also took action to disrupt the activities of the armed militias in the area.
The operations carried out by the Nigerian Army and Operation Whirl Stroke demonstrate a commitment to maintaining security and peace in Taraba, effectively combating threats posed by violent extremists and criminal elements in the region.
While appreciating the Commander for the swift responses and restoring peace back to the communities, the Chairman Donga Local Government Area, Hon Ezra Voka on behalf of his people assured the military of continuous and prompt information and intelligence support.
General Uwa while responding to the Chairman and other community leaders at the Local Government Secretariat, encouraged community leaders and the elites of the area both home and abroad to jointly seek alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to find lasting solutions to the ugly trends rather than the jungle justice systems being adopted by the local tribes often leading to reprisals causing loss of lives and destruction of property of innocent villagers. ” A line must be drawn going forward for long-lasting peace to be achieved in the region,” he said.