The Gombe State Police Command announced the rescue of Rabi Abdul, a 17-year-old girl who was abducted by herdsmen and taken to Zange forest. ASP Buhari Abdullahi, the Police Public Relations Officer, briefed journalists on the incident on Saturday.
According to Abdullahi, Rabi Abdul, from Akkoyel village in Akko Local Government Area, was kidnapped after her husband, Alhaji Abdu Bello, managed to escape an attack by the herders. One of the suspects, identified as Malam Abba from Ardo Wumnu village in Zange, Dukku Local Government Area, was implicated in the abduction.
Abdullahi recounted that on May 19, 2024, a joint operation involving police officers and local hunters in Zange village trailed the suspected herders, who were believed to be cattle rustlers. The trail led them to a house in Zange forest, where they found Malam Abba. Upon interrogation, Abba admitted to hiding the kidnapped girl, Rabi Abdul, in his home.
The rescue team successfully recovered Rabi Abdul and took her to General Hospital Dukku for medical treatment. She was treated and subsequently discharged.
Abdullahi emphasized that those responsible for such criminal acts would face justice. He confirmed that the suspect confessed to the crime and will soon be prosecuted. Efforts are underway to apprehend four additional suspects who are currently at large.
The Gombe police continue to intensify their efforts to bring the remaining perpetrators to justice.
