By Chuks Peter, Delta
The Nigerian Army successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued several passengers in the Oviri-Ogor Community, located in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred over the weekend when gunmen suspected to be kidnappers targeted a newly completed building along HRM Igere III Road, hoping to find one of their victims at home.
According to community sources, the kidnappers arrived around 7:08 pm, firing sporadically before storming the house. However, they did not find their intended target and instead abducted an unidentified person.
The Nigerian Army, conducting a surveillance patrol in the area, responded swiftly to the incident, arriving shortly after the kidnappers had taken the person.
“This road leading from Oviri-Ogor Community market to the East-West Road has been hazardous for years,” a local source reported.
“People live in constant fear, and it’s not uncommon to hear gunshots every night. The government needs to intervene because no one feels safe after 6:30 pm.”
In a related incident, the Nigerian Army engaged in a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers along the Ughelli-Patani Road, ultimately rescuing several abducted passengers.
One of the rescued victims, Comrade Ekiyor Andrew, recounted the harrowing experience: “We were kidnapped along Ughelli-Patani Road. Some passengers were injured, and the bus driver is still missing.
“The kidnappers took our phones and money, but we were rescued alive thanks to the Nigerian soldiers. Some people are still missing, but I believe they will be found.”
The Nigerian Army confirmed these events in a statement on their verified X handle, highlighting the bravery of the troops deployed for internal security duties.
“In a remarkable display of bravery, troops of the Nigerian Army successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt by a suspected terrorist group along the Ughelli-Patani Road in Delta State,” the statement read.
“The swift response to a distress call resulted in the rescue of passengers who had been kidnapped while traveling on a commercial bus. The troops, upon receiving the distress call, rapidly mobilised and confronted the terrorists, who were armed with assorted weapons.
“A fierce firefight ensued, compelling the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee the scene.”
The rescued passengers are currently in safe custody, receiving necessary care and support.
The Nigerian Army has also assured the public that efforts are ongoing to pursue the fleeing terrorists and ensure the safety of all citizens in the affected areas.
