Jammu, Jul 21 (KNO): The Indian Embassy in Niamey, Niger, has been actively working with local authorities to secure the safe release of Ranjit Singh, a resident of Chakka Kundi village in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, who was abducted during a terror attack in Niger’s Dosso region on July 15.
The attack, which also claimed the lives of two Indian nationals, occurred when unidentified armed assailants ambushed a Nigerien army unit guarding an electrical line construction project, approximately 100 kilometres from Niamey.
According to details obtained by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh provided an update about the situation on social media site X, saying, “Following continuous follow-up by my office, the Ministry of External Affairs has informed that the Indian Embassy in Niamey is actively pursuing the release of Ranjit Singh, a resident of Ramban district, who was abducted in Niger. The embassy is in constant communication with local authorities to ensure his safe return.”
Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the abduction, urging swift intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister’s office stated, “Chief Minister has expressed concern over the abduction of Ranjeet Singh, a resident of Ramban, in Niger. He urges the Hon’ble EAM @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia to urgently intervene to secure Ranjit’s safe and swift return.”
The Indian Embassy in Niger confirmed the incident in a statement posted on X on July 18, 2025, saying, “In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Niger’s Dosso region, two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives, and one was abducted. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The Mission in Niamey is in touch with local authorities to repatriate mortal remains and ensure the safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant.”
Ranjit Singh, a senior safety officer with Transrail Lighting Limited, a power transmission and distribution company, was working at the construction site when the attack occurred. His family lost contact with him on July 15, and his wife, Sheela Devi, was informed of his abduction by his colleagues on July 16.
In a heartfelt appeal, Sheela Devi said, “My entire life is at stake. I have three young children and elderly parents to care for. I appeal to the Government of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to bring my husband back home safely.”
She met with Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan, who assured her that the matter had been escalated to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Niger.
Ranjit’s father, Mohan Lal, also urged immediate action: “We want to tell Modiji to act on it. The Government of India should work to bring him back. We have been suffering for the last 5-6 days. He has little children. We are very worried about him—where is he abducted, has he eaten anything or not?”
The family has expressed frustration over the lack of response from Transrail Lighting Limited, with Sheela Devi alleging that the company has provided no clear information about her husband’s situation. A cousin, Santosh Singh, said the family was informed that Ranjit is being held in a forested area, but no direct communication has been established with Niger authorities—(KNO)