TheCable

The Katsina police command says the 28 girls abducted while fetching firewood at Kasai village in Batsari LGA of Katsina have regained freedom.

The girls were abducted on the outskirts of their village on Monday.

Over the years, more than eight LGAs of Katsina state, including Batsari, have come under frequent attacks by bandits.

In a statement on Tuesday, Abubakar Aliyu, police spokesperson in the state, said the girls were released at about 10:40 pm on the same day they were abducted.

“On the 1st of April 2024, at about 1030 hrs, about twenty-eight (28) girls who went to the outskirts of Kasai village, Batsari LGA, Katsina State, with intent to fetch firewood, were abducted by kidnappers,” the statement reads.

“Upon receipt of the report, the commissioner of police, Katsina state police command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, psc+, swiftly deployed operatives to the scene, tasked with the unhurt rescue of the victims.

“Thanks to the unwavering efforts and increased pressure exerted by the command, the victims, who were held against their will, have now regained freedom and are safe and sound.

“The collaborative effort of the dedicated rescue team, in conjunction with the strategic approach taken by the command resulted in the release of all the abducted victims.

“The abductors, following the escalation of pressure and the concerted actions of the command in collaboration with all relevant security stakeholders in the state, ultimately released all the victims on the same day at about 2240hrs.”

The police spokesperson added that the command is committed to ensuring the security of the community and state.

“Further development will be communicated as the investigation proceeds,” he added.