Security agencies have arrested five suspects in connection with the attack on a 16-year-old girl whose hand was severed during an attempted kidnapping in Goska village, Kaninkon Ward, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The arrests followed what the Jema’a council chairman, Mr Peter Tanko Dogara, described as a prompt and coordinated response by security operatives after a distress alert from the community.
The incident occurred on Saturday during an alleged abduction attempt involving the teenager, Endurance Sabo, her grandmother and four younger sisters.
While the grandmother and the other children escaped, Sabo was seized by the assailants and sustained grievous injuries before she was rescued.
Local sources said the suspects inflicted life-altering harm on the teenager before security operatives intervened.
Confirming the development, the council chairman, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Paul Aliyu, said the suspects were apprehended shortly after the alert was received.
“Upon receiving the distress call, the Chairman of Jema’a Local Government immediately coordinated with security operatives to launch a rescue operation, which led to the rescue of Miss Endurance Sabo and the arrest of the five suspects,” the statement said.
Dogara expressed sadness over the extent of the injuries suffered by the victim, noting that one of her hands was amputated during the attack.
Sabo is currently receiving treatment at the Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital, Kafanchan.
The council said arrangements were underway to transfer her to a tertiary health facility for specialised care, adding that the local government would bear the cost of her medical treatment.
“The victim is now receiving treatment at Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital in Kafanchan, and the Council Chairman has promised to take full responsibility for her medical bills,” the statement added.
The attack has triggered outrage in Goska and neighbouring communities, with residents demanding tougher action against criminal elements operating in rural areas of Southern Kaduna.
Appealing for calm, Dogara assured residents that security had been reinforced across the local government area to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
He urged the public to continue their lawful activities without fear and warned against self-help or jungle justice.
The chairman also called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid efforts to curb crime in the area.