Police rescue abducted traditional ruler in Niger

The Niger state police command says it rescued Mahmud Aliyu, the Dodo of Wawa, a traditional ruler in New Bussa, headquarters of Borgu LGA of Niger state.

The traditional ruler was reportedly abducted from his palace by gunmen on September 4.

Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesperson in Niger, had said security operatives were deployed to arrest the culprits and rescue the victim.

“While police tactical team and members of the vigilante of the area have been deployed for manhunt of the hoodlums to rescue the victim and arrest the culprits,” he said.

Speaking with NAN on Saturday, Abiodun said the traditional has been rescued.

He said he was rescued on Friday after a sustained effort of the police, the military and vigilantes.

According to him, Aliyu is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed facility.

The incident was the latest in a series of abductions and attacks in the state.

Bandits had attacked Bassa community in Shiroro LGA of the state.

 The bandits were said to be suspected ‘Boko Haram’ members.

In August, the Niger government ordered the suspension of activities at all weekly cattle markets in a bid to address security challenges in the state.

The governor has also banned the sale of fuel in jerrycans.

The state also said movement of cattle in and out of Niger will be subject to strict security checks, while trucks carrying timber have been banned from operating for now.