Armed forces rescue 172 students abducted in Kaduna, many still missing

The Kaduna State Government, on Friday, has disclosed that troops of Nigerian Army have come to the rescue of 180 citizens kidnapped by gunmen in the state.

The state declared that the citizens were abducted from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to a statement released by the State Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, indicates that 42 female students, 130 male students and 8 staff were freed by the soldiers.

Aruwan stated that around 30 students, a combination of males and females, are yet to be accounted for.

The statement read, “Troops of the Nigerian Army in the early hours of today, Friday, 12th March 2021 rescued 180 citizens, many of them students, at the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.

“The armed bandits in large numbers had attacked the institution at around 11:30 pm on Thursday and kidnapped several students and staff.

“The armed bandits broke into the institution by breaching a perimeter fence. They then encroached about 600 meters to attack the first facility.

“The Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, on receiving a distress call, alerted the 1 Division Nigerian Army and the Air Training Command of the Nigerian Air Force.

“Troops of the Nigerian Army immediately moved to the school and engaged the armed bandits accordingly.

“The troops successfully rescued 180 citizens; 42 female students, eight staff and 130 male students. However, about 30 students, a mix of males and females, are yet to be accounted for.

“Some of the rescued students were injured and presently receiving medical attention at a military facility.

“Pictures of some of the rescued persons, and the broken perimeter fence, are attached to this update.

“Receiving the report, Governor Nasir El-Rufai thanked the troops for their swift response and the rescue of the 180 citizens. He also wished the injured students a speedy recovery.

“As at the time of this update, a combined team of Army, Air Force, Police and DSS troops are conducting an operation to track the missing students.

“Citizens will be updated on emerging developments.”