Troops rescue kidnap victim in Taraba

By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued a kidnapped woman identified as Mrs Iloda Ayinba, in Torikeghgba Village of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Spokesperson of the Brigade Lt Umar Muhammad disclose this in a statement issued in Jalingo on Sunday.

He said that the woman was kidnapped on her way to the farm by Fulani herdsmen who have been terrorising the area.

He said that the operation followed “credible intelligence received by troops deployed at Kufai Amadu regarding the abduction of a woman within the area. Acting promptly on the information, troops immediately mobilised and advanced to the affected community.
Upon arrival, further investigation revealed that the victim, Mrs Iloda Ayinba, a local resident of Torikegha Village, was abducted while on her way to her farm by suspected criminal elements believed to be herdsmen relocating from the general area.

“Troops swiftly and tactically traced the criminals’ withdrawal routes, conducting an aggressive search and rescue operation across the surrounding terrain, extending up to the power line corridor between Benue and Taraba States. Overwhelmed by the sustained pressure from the advancing troops, the kidnappers abandoned the victim in the bush and fled.

“Mrs Iloda Ayinba was subsequently rescued unharmed and safely handed over to the village heads, amidst appreciation from members of the community for the timely intervention of the Nigerian Army.

“Reacting to the development, the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens, farmers, and residents across Taraba State. He emphasized that the Brigade remains resolute in sustaining robust operations to guarantee a peaceful and secure Yuletide season, as well as enabling farmers to go about their lawful activities without fear or intimidation.

“The Commander further urged members of the public to continue to support the Nigerian Army with timely and credible information, noting that such cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing security operations across the state” he said.