Two kidnapped victims released under Operation Safe Corridor in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Two individuals abducted in Katsina State have been released from captivity under the terms of the existing peace accord facilitated by the Operation Safe Corridor initiative.
The released victims, Asiya Shuaibu, 15, of Masaku Village, and Alhaji Nuhu Barau, 55, of Kuka Sheka Village, were freed on Jan. 29 at about 10:30 a.m. by bandit leaders who have embraced the peace accord, identified as Janduna and Sanusi Dan Dutsinma.
The victims were received by a Local Government delegation and subsequently transported to Kankara General Hospital for medical evaluation.
In a related development, an attack by suspected armed bandits in Unguwar Isiyaka village, Funtua Local Government Area, left one person dead and prompted a security response.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 29, when the bandits entered the community and opened fire. Residents fled as the attackers engaged with local security patrols in a sustained gun battle, forcing the bandits to disperse.
It was later confirmed that Lawal Abdu, 25, of the village, was fatally shot. His body was evacuated to Funtua General Hospital, where a medical doctor certified him dead.
Search and security operations are ongoing in the surrounding communities to apprehend the perpetrators.
