The Nigerian Army says rescue efforts have led to the release of some of the students and teachers abducted yesterday from the Federal Government Girls College, Birnin Yauri in Kebbi state.

In a statement, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations said so far, two teachers and five students have been freed. He also reported that sadly one of the students has died.

The rescue followed an encounter with the abductors in the early hours of Friday.

Nwachukwu said troops trailed them from Yauri through Riyao to Sombo community, where the kidnappers had split into two groups.

Ground forces and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) intercepted the groups at about 2.30 am and engaged them in a fire.

The battle led to the release of the teachers and students as well as the recovery of 800 cattle rustled by the bandits.

“The gallant troops are still on the heels of the kidnappers in order to rescue the remaining abductees still in captivity.

“Sadly, a casualty was recorded during the exchange. A female student was found to have given up the ghost as a result of exhaustion.

“The rescued teachers and students will be handed over to the Kebbi State Government”, Nwachukwu added.