Zainab Abbas, abducted from Nyibango neighborhood just weeks after televangelist’s kidnapping

In a disturbing turn of events, Zainab Abbas, the wife of a High Court judge, has been kidnapped from her residence in Nyibango, Adamawa State. This incident comes shortly after the abduction of renowned televangelist Rev. Mike Ochigbo in the same area. The Nyibango neighbourhood, located near the Nigerian Army headquarters in Yola, has become notorious for kidnappings and other violent crimes, leaving residents in fear.

The abduction took place at approximately 2am on Wednesday, adding to the growing tension in the Nyibango neighbourhood. Many residents are now contemplating leaving the area due to the frequent attacks by kidnappers. The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the abduction, expressing concern over the escalating situation.

According to SP Suleiman Nguroje, spokesperson for the police command, Zainab Abbas was taken from her residence behind the Royal Ambassadors Hotel in Nyibango. 

In response to the incident, the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Afolabi Babatola, has deployed a team of officers, including the Crack Squad, Special Rapid Response Team (SRRT), and other tactical squads. Their mission is to conduct a strategic and intelligence-driven rescue operation targeting criminal hideouts and black spots, with the goal of rescuing the abducted judge’s wife, apprehending the kidnappers, and addressing the overall security challenges in the state.

“This deployment will surely assist in coordinating timely response to distress calls and to clamp down on those found committing crimes, as the command has deployed electronic devices to record pictorial evidences of those involved.

“The CP has equally directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and Deployment to coordinate the designed rescue operation as all divisional police officers are to adopt a stop and Search exercise in their respective areas of responsibility, especially midnights to ensure total domination of the public space, prevent escape of criminals and possible arrest of trouble makers.”

The authorities are determined to bring the culprits to justice and restore peace and security to the state. However, the ongoing wave of kidnappings and violence continues to pose significant challenges.