Another batch of 17 kidnapped victims was rescued on Thursday by the Katsina State Government in collaboration with the troops of Nigerian Air Force in Jibia Forest situated along the Jibia-Gurbin Baure axis.

The rescued victims, all from Karofi village in Jibia Local Government Area of the State, comprise three married women and fourteen children ranging between the ages of five to ten were said to have spent fifteen days in the bandits’ den.

The State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa while welcoming the victims on behalf of Governor  Dikko Radda announced that the government has been making serious investments in security so that people can live peacefully.

He assured of the readiness of the current state administration to fight banditry, adding that security is the number first, second, and third priority of the Government.

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He urged residents to include the government in their daily prayers to restore peace in all parts of the state.

“The Katsina State Government has always been committed towards protection of lives and property of the citizens,” Danmusa added.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of Jibia Local Government Area Sabi’u Maitan commended the state government and security agencies for the rescue operation which led to the successful rescue of the victims.

He expressed optimism that, the remaining 88 victims who are still in bandits’ captivity will soon be rescued.

“Even yesterday, the same bandits went back to the community of these rescued victims and burnt down 12 houses,” Maitan recalled.