By Ade Oye
Two people were confirmed dead while 13 kidnapped victims were rescued after fierce gun duel between Nigeria troop and some suspected bandits in Chikun Local Government Area of the Kaduna State.
The casualties were said to be volunteers in the battle with bandits.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna.
According to him, “Troops have reported the rescue of 13 kidnapped persons from bandits in Gwagwada, Chikun Local Government Area.
“They were attacked by the bandits in the process. Troops on receiving credible intelligence of the abduction, trailed the bandits to a forest near Bana village and engaged them in a gun duel. The 13 victims were thus rescued,” he said.
The commissioner said that after the operations, the troops discovered that the bandits had shot two volunteers dead before their arrival.
According to him, the bandits also burnt a church and looted some houses in the area.
He said Gov. Nasir El-Rufai thanked the troops and commended them for the successful rescue operation.
He also commiserated with the families of the deceased volunteers, and prayed for the repose of their souls.
“The Governor also extended his sympathy to the leadership and members of the razed church over the unfortunate attack.
“He directed the State Emergency Management Agency to conduct an immediate assessment of the damage,’’Aruwan said.
