Joint security operatives have rescued 30 Muslim worshippers out of the 40 that were kidnapped while praying inside a mosque in Jibiya town in Katsina State.
Naija News had earlier reported how the worshippers were kidnapped by suspected bandits while observing Tahajud, a midnight prayer during Ramadan.
Confirming the rescue of the worshippers on Monday, Spokesman of the Katsina State Police Command, SP Gambo Isa, said the victims were rescued by operatives comprising the Police, Army, and other security agencies.
According to Isa, the bandits in their numbers came from Zurumi border town in Zamfara state during Tahajjud prayers in the outskirt of Jibia forest.
He said; “The bandits, who came in their numbers, surrounded the worshippers at a newly constructed mosque at the outskirt of Jibia.
“It is around Abattoir quarters, which is their notorious route into Jibia. They surrounded the worshippers and fired a shot into the air to scare them after which they abducted about 40 of them.”
“But a combined effort of the police, military, local vigilante and members of the community went after them and succeeded in rescuing about 30 of the victims.
“When we conducted a headcount this morning, about 10 are still missing, but we are not sure if they are actually with the bandits or they ran to other places for their safety. But an investigation is ongoing,” he said.