No fewer than 30 children abducted by bandits from Kasai village in Batsari County of Katsina State have been released and are now back with their families. The news brings immense relief to the community that was left devastated by the kidnapping on Monday.
Channels Television reported that the abduction occurred in the early hours of the morning. The children had ventured outside the village in search of firewood, a common chore for many youngsters in the community.
“The children went behind Kasai village to secure firewood, which their parents would use to cook food for them,” said a resident who spoke to Channels Television on condition of anonymity. “Unfortunately, some suspected bandits intercepted them and took them to an unknown destination.”
Details regarding their release remain scarce. A press release issued by the Katsina State Police Command’s Public Relations Unit confirmed the children’s freedom on Tuesday but did not disclose whether ransom was paid or if the bandits were apprehended.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Command swung into action and launched an investigation to rescue the kidnapped victims as well as to arrest the perpetrators,” the statement read. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by many communities in northwest Nigeria.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
