In a significant breakthrough, the Taraba State Police Command has successfully apprehended 10 suspected kidnappers, simultaneously rescuing 40 individuals from captivity within the Yorro Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. The commendable operation was disclosed by David Iloyanomon, the Commissioner of Police in Taraba, during a press briefing held on Monday.
The operation, which involved a strategic partnership between the police force and local hunters familiar with the terrain of Gongomaliki mountain—a known hideout for the kidnappers—resulted in the neutralization of several kidnappers. The collaboration proved instrumental in dislodging the criminal elements from their stronghold.
“We deployed another strategy of using the local hunters and vigilantes, who dislodged them, neutralised some and rescued 40 victims, while police operatives at strategic locations arrested 10 suspects, who were fleeing the mountain,” Iloyanomon was quoted by NAN.
Tragically, the ordeal left one of the rescued victims with a severe injury, as the kidnappers had gruesomely plucked out one of their eyes. Another survivor sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter. The Commissioner of Police mentioned that the injured victims were promptly taken to the police clinic in Jalingo, the state’s capital, to receive the necessary medical care.
In his statement, Iloyanomon underscored the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the state’s residents by continuing the collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups. This operation marks a significant step forward in the fight against kidnapping and criminal activities in Taraba State, showcasing the effective synergy between law enforcement and community-based security initiatives.
