Worshippers Kidnapped From Katsina Mosque Regain Freedom

At least 11 persons, including an infant, abducted from the Jibia mosque in Katsina State have regained freedom.

The worshippers were earlier abducted on Monday at a mosque located in the outskirt of Jibiya town of Katsina State while observing midnight prayers.

A local resident, Fahad Mukhtar told Channels Television that the victims escaped from their abductors on Wednesday afternoon in Zurmi Local Government Area of the neighboring Zamfara State.

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Their release, according to an eyewitness, was facilitated by a woman married to one of the bandits who untied them where they were kept and asked them to run away.

Those who escaped include eight males and three females.

The only victim left is a nursing mother whose infant was rescued but she could not make it because her legs were swollen and she couldn’t run.

The abductors are now demanding N10million ransom before they release her.

The police authorities in the state are to confirm the incident as phone calls put through the spokesman, SP Gambo Isah were not picked up.

Channels Television reported last week Monday, that, twelve Muslim worshippers were abducted by armed bandits while observing midnight prayers at a mosque located at the outskirts of Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

An eyewitness said the gunmen stormed the mosque around 2:00 am shooting sporadically and finally abducted the worshippers.

The Nigerian Army days after the news of the abduction said the troops of 17 Brigade and police officers prevented bandits from abducting several worshippers in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina.

Military Spokesperson, Mohammed Yerima in a statement on Tuesday disclosed that a large number of bandits came firing sporadically in an attempt to disrupt the prayers and abduct worshippers from Magama Central Mosque.

He said the abductors were forced to abandon the hostages after a hot pursuit and the victims have been reunited with their families.