Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 3 kidnapped victims and recovered 8 bodies suspected to be passengers abducted from an 18-seater bus, in Donga LGA of Taraba State.
The feat was achieved following operations conducted by the troops on Wednesday, 13th March 2024, and led by the Commander, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa.
General Uwa, while addressing the Chairman and other community leaders at the Local Government Secretariat, explained that one of the key incidents that prompted the military response was an attack on an 18-seater bus at Gamkwe village along Maraban-Baisa in Donga Local Government Area, resulting in the disappearance of 15 passengers, including a baby.
This incident led to the blocking of a crucial road in the area. Through diligent patrolling and search efforts, the troops were able to clear the roadblock and thoroughly search the surrounding villages of Gankwe, Aakar, Gidan Adamu, and Magudu, ultimately recovering eight bodies, including that of a missing baby.
Additionally, upon receiving intelligence on armed militias surrounding Sanso village in Donga Local Government Area, the troops swiftly mobilized to the location.
It was revealed that the militias had arrived at Sanso from Anu village using a wooden canoe via the River Donga before carrying out their nefarious attack. The militias stole valuable items, including motorcycles, and kidnapped several villagers.
In response, the troops engaged in a pursuit operation, resulting in the successful rescue of three female kidnap victims and the recovery of four motorcycles, along with significant quantities of grains. The military forces also took action to disrupt the activities of the armed militias in the area.
The Chairman, of Donga Local Government Area, Hon Ezra Voka, appreciated the Commander for the swift responses and for restoring peace back to the communities. He further assured the military of continuous and prompt information and intelligence support.
Responding, Gen. Uwa encouraged community leaders and the elites of the area both home and abroad to jointly seek alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to find lasting solutions to the ugly trends rather than the jungle justice systems being adopted by the local tribes often leading to reprisals causing loss of lives and destruction of property of innocent villagers.
“A line must be drawn going forward for long-lasting peace to be achieved in the region”, he said.
