Jharkhand migrant workers abducted in Niger | Acting swiftly under the directions of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the state government has intensified efforts to ensure the safe return of five migrant workers abducted in Niger, South Africa region. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy have been formally contacted via email to expedite the rescue operations.
The incident came to light on April 27, when former MLA Vinod Kumar Singh alerted the State Migrant Control Room about the kidnapping and disappearance of five workers from Dondlo and Mundro villages (Bagodar police station, Giridih district). Immediate action was demanded, with full details of the workers and their passport numbers provided.
The five workers, employed under the KPTC Project — a company engaged in transmission line work — were abducted by armed militants on April 25, 2025. Since the incident, no direct contact had been made with the workers, causing grave concern among their families.
State Migrant Control Room Acts on War Footing
Upon receiving the information, the State Migrant Control Room contacted the Project Head and Country Manager to obtain updated details. According to the latest reports, the five Jharkhand workers were operating around 25-30 kilometers away from the company’s main site in the Telabari region at the time of abduction.
It has been confirmed that the kidnapping was part of a major military operation involving 26 local workers and 12 foreign nationals. Tragically, the incident also resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals. Authorities at the company, the local Governor’s office, the Indian Ambassador, and the Indian Embassy are actively engaged in rescue efforts.
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On April 28, 2025, the State Migrant Control Room formally verified the incident and emailed urgent requests to the Protector of Emigrants, Ranchi, the Indian Embassy, and the Ministry of External Affairs, seeking immediate intervention to prioritize the safe repatriation of the workers.
Today, the Indian Embassy and company officials reconfirmed via email and direct communication that the Indian mission in Niger is fully aware of the incident and is working closely with Nigerian authorities to secure the safe and swift release of the abducted workers.
Details of the Abducted Workers:
- Phaljeet Mahato
- Raju Kumar
- Chandrika Mahato
- Sanjay Mahato
- Uttam Mahato
Ongoing Efforts to Ensure Safe Return
The Jharkhand government has reiterated its commitment to leaving no stone unturned in securing the workers’ return. The Chief Minister’s Office continues to monitor the situation closely, maintaining active coordination with the central government, Indian diplomatic missions, and the affected workers’ families.
The state has urged the Ministry of External Affairs to treat the matter as a top priority, reflecting Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s firm resolve to protect the welfare of Jharkhand’s migrant workforce abroad.
