Personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS) have rescued two children after a suspected abductor abandoned them and fled on sighting a routine patrol team in Zaria.

The Zaria Area Commander of KADVS, Bala Galadima, disclosed this to newsmen in Zaria on Friday.

According to him, the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on Thursday near the Barewa College Gate in Zaria Local Government Area, when KADVS operatives on routine patrol noticed suspicious movements involving a motorcyclist.

He said the patrol team became suspicious after sighting a man conveying two young boys on a motorcycle and immediately gave chase.

Galadima said the suspect abandoned the children and escaped before he could be apprehended after noticing the approaching patrol team, leaving the boys behind as operatives secured the area safely.

He said preliminary investigations showed the boys told operatives the suspect picked them from Dan Wata community in Soba Local Government Area before transporting them toward Zaria late Thursday night.

According to him, the children said the suspect instructed them to wear face masks throughout the journey and later made a telephone call seeking directions from an unidentified individual.

Galadima said the boys also disclosed that they overheard the suspect asking the person on the telephone whether he should bring the children to an undisclosed destination in Zaria.

He said the children identified themselves as residents of Tsohon Gida Line in Dan Wata community, Soba Local Government Area, enabling operatives to immediately begin tracing their parents and relatives.

The commander said the parents were contacted and subsequently confirmed the identities of the children, informing KADVS that they would travel to Zaria to receive custody of them.

Galadima said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, while assuring residents of the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property. (NAN)