Bandits have released 70 out of 85 victims abducted from Wanzamai village of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state, killing two kidnapped persons.

This is even as gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly killed one soldier and abducted another, leaving behind a motorcycle the two soldiers used to convey themselves to Idadu Army camp, along Ibbabu-Idadu in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

A military source, who pleaded for anonymity, told Daily Trust that the diseased soldier was in mufti when his attackers ambushed him and kidnapped his colleague.

According to the source, bandits always terrorise farmers, market men and women on market day at Ibbabu-Idadu, robbing them, and, in some cases, raping the women.

It was also learnt that the late army officer hailed from Gombe State and was attached to Idadu army camp in Doma.

“The late army officer was attacked and axed by the bandits and his motorcycle thrown into the river along the road. His colleague was abducted and taken to an unknown destination.

“The ugly death of the army officer has ignited panic in Doma and its environs including Yelwa Ediys Igbabo Idadu Opkatta Rukubu Akpanaja, Doka, Ajimaka, Okpanya as farmers no longer go to the farm,” the source added.

The military source, however, said the 4 Special Force Doma had already drafted its personnel to comb the entire area and ensure that the bandits are arrested.

Meanwhile, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, has condoled the Commander 4 Special Force Doma, Major General. O.O. Soyele over the killing.

The deputy governor, who was at the 4SFB Doma, described the murder of the officer as a colossal loss to the Nigerian Army and the nation as a whole and prayed that God will grant him internal rest and forgive his shortcomings.

Earlier, while appreciating the condolence visit, Major. General Soyele applauded the state government for finding time to identify with the command, adding that the army authorities were on top of the situation.

Bandits Kill Two Abducted Victims In Zamfara

In a related development, bandits have released 70 out of 85 victims abducted from Wanzamai village of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The victims were kidnapped three weeks ago on farmlands. They are mostly residents of Wanzamai, a community that had suffered series of bandits’ incursions in the past.

While the children went to the bush to fetch firewood, the other adults were kidnapped on farmlands when they went for land clearing in preparation for this year’s cropping season. There are also women among the victims.

A resident, Sani Aliyu, told our correspondent that 70 out of the 85 victims were freed Friday night.

“The armed men had agreed to release the children after N6 million ransom was paid to them. Earlier, they refused to free the captives after N3 million was paid. They demanded that two brand new motorbikes must be bought for them.

“The armed criminals shot dead two teenagers trying to escape. The released children are looking pale and fatigued. There are about 15 children still with them and we don’t know the reason for holding them.

“Some parents cried when they saw the terrible condition of their children. They look emaciated because of starvation and hunger. The freed victims are currently receiving medical attention,” he said.

The spokesman of the state police command, CSP Muhammad Shehu, could not be reached for comment.