By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

Troops have rescued six kidnapped victims, including a child and a driver, following an ambush by suspected gunmen in Katsina-Ala, Benue State.

The incident occurred on Thursday night when a Toyota Carina II vehicle travelling from Katsina-Ala was hijacked by kidnappers, who forced the occupants into the bush near an abandoned civil defence checkpoint.

Sources told Zagazola Makama on Friday that the rescue followed a tip-off, with troops operating in conjunction with a Keystone security team swiftly exploiting the area.

The victims rescued were identified as Mr. Terna Gbaya, 43, the driver; Mr. Musa Adamu, 55, from Tella-Kanuri; Mrs. Rose Sor, 35, from Kyuwande LGA; Mrs. Lydia Vyiashima, 40, from Kwanshisha; and Mrs. Comfort Iyofar, 60, from Vaase in Wukari LGA, alongside a child.

According to the source, search operations are still ongoing in the general area to rescue other abducted passengers and to track down the perpetrators.

The rescue comes amid heightened military operations in the state to stem the rising cases of abduction along major highways. (Zagazola)