The Kaduna State Government in a statement by the State Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, revealed that troops carrying out internal security operations rescued nine persons kidnapped along the Kaduna-Abuja Road on Sunday afternoon.

The driver of an 18-seater bus with number plate Kaduna, MKA-151, and a passenger, however, lost their lives as kidnappers opened fire on the vehicle.

The statement which is based on operational feedback received from the Defence Headquarters’ Operation Thunder Strike following Sunday’s incident, partly read, “Troops of the Operation Thunder Strike on a routine patrol along Akilubu-Gidan Busa axis on the Kaduna-Abuja road, received a distress call at around 4PM, of bandits blocking the main highway.

“The armed bandits opened fire on a bus, forcing the driver to halt.

“On getting to the location, the armed bandits had already kidnapped nine persons from an 18-seater bus with registration No. Kaduna: MKA-151.

“The troops immediately mobilised and engaged the bandits in a firefight and in the process rescued nine persons kidnapped who later rejoined their colleagues after their rescue and a headcount.

“Regrettably, the driver and a passenger seated close to him lost their lives.”

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government while commiserating with families of the victims, assured citizens and road users plying the Abuja-Kaduna expressway of adequate security.