Terrorists abduct over 40 persons in Katsina 

Five Die In Imo Auto Crash

Suspected terrorists have abducted more than 40 persons in two communities of Zamfarawar Madogara and Kasai in Batsari Local Council of Katsina State. According to reports, the incident occurred last Thursday night when most members of both communities had retired to bed. 

While 30 persons including women and children were abducted in Zamfarawar Madogara community, at least 14 persons were kidnapped at Kasai village. It was gathered that the terrorists also carted away several household items including grains, handsets and money, and operated for several hours without hindrance.

The two communities are located close to each other and the terrorists operated simultaneously, a source familiar with the incident said.  He also said the abducted persons were later moved into the forest, lamenting that family members of the victims may soon be contacted to pay humongous amounts as ransom. 
He called on the federal and state governments to improve security presence in both communities, as there had been cases of terrorists’ attacks in the past in these areas.

The incident comes less than 72 hours after terrorists in their numbers abducted at least 20 persons that also included women and children, at Na-Alma village in Malumfashi council area.  Spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, was yet to respond to an inquiry on the issue as of the time of filing this report

Meanwhile, no fewer than five persons died yesterday in an auto crash which occurred along Owerri-Onitsha express road, in Orogwe, Owerri West Local Council of Imo State.

An eyewitness said a coaster bus conveying members of the Lord Chosen Charismatic Renewal Movement to a crusade, wanting to overtake, allegedly hit a tipper, which was also coming from Onitsha end of the road.

The eyewitness said the driver of the tipper lost control of the vehicle leading to the accident and loss of five lives. He said: “This is very gory. The two vehicles were coming from the same direction (Onitsha end); the bus driver hit the tipper and the tipper driver, I guess, lost balance and hit the shop where Coca-cola workers were. Three of the workers died; both the tipper driver and the conductor also died. Very sad!”

The incident led to serious traffic gridlock along that road.The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials, who were at the scene, could not speak as they were working on rescuing those trapped in the bus.