The Katsina State Police Command has foiled an attempted kidnapping and rescued six students of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) and their driver after armed bandits intercepted their vehicle along the Kankara-Dutsin-Ma road.
According to intelligence sources quoted by security analyst, Zagagola Magama on Wednesday, the incident occurred around Unguwar Kanawa-Dantudu Village, when the armed suspects reportedly blocked the road and intercepted a Volkswagen Golf 3 with registration number BCH 58 SB.
The vehicle, driven by 35-year-old Sani Umar of Dutsin-Ma, was conveying the six female students from Kaduna to Dutsin-Ma when the attackers struck.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kankara, led personnel of the Police Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) to the scene.
The police engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot injuries.
It was gathered that security personnel subsequently cordoned off the area and commenced clearance operations to locate the occupants of the vehicle.
The seven occupants were eventually traced and rescued unhurt.
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They were identified as the driver, Sani Umar, and six FUDMA students: Emmanuela Anyaba, 20; Regina Felix, 19; Peace Joseph, 23; Mercy Michael, 19; Maryam Salisu, 21; and Nafisa Yakubu, 18.
The victims were taken to Kankara General Hospital for medical evaluation and were later discharged.
The six students were subsequently handed over to the Chief Security Officer of FUDMA, while the driver was released to officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The command also urged residents and motorists to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.