24 victims of kidnapping in Kogi regain freedom – Police

…CP assures continued onslaught against criminals.

Dada Ahmed in Lokoja

The Operatives of the Kogi State Police Command, in collaboration with the Military and Local Vigilantes, rescued 24 victims kidnapped on Friday 29/12/2023 within the ADOGO area.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Bethrand C. Onuoha, disclosed this in a statement signed by SP WILLIAM OVYE AYA

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, for the command in Lokoja and made a copy to The Reporters on Sunday.

The CP said: “Consequent upon the upsurge of kidnapping activities along Ajaokuta-Adogo-Okene road; where some Students and Staff of Comprehensive High School,Ajaokuta and other travellers were abducted yesterday 29/12/2023, the Area Commander Ajaokuta promptly swung into action.

“He led a combined Team of Police, Military and Local Vigilantes to the scene, and while combining the bush, three victims were rescued, including one of the students.”

The Commissioner further disclosed that on Saturday, 30/12/2023, he deployed an additional tactical squad which consists of the Quick Response Unit to the area to join the Team led by SP Sule Musa, Divisional Police Officer, Ajaokuta Division.

According to him, the team continued with the bush combing and ensured the remaining victims were rescued.

He said the team were also instructed to ensure that the hoodlums were apprehended and brought to deserved justice.

“While the Team were combing the bush, the hoodlums sighted them from their hideout and opened fire at them.

“During a gun duel that ensued, owing to the superior firepower of the Team, the hoodlums were forced to flee and abandon their victims.

“While twenty-one (21) victims, including eleven (11) Students and three (3) Teachers were rescued unhurt, efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects,” he added.

The CP, while commending the efforts of the Team, assured the people of a continued onslaught against criminal elements in the State to ensure the safety of lives and property.

He advised the law-abiding citizens of the State to continue to collaborate with the Police and other security agencies, by volunteering timely and credible information on the activities of Criminal elements in the state.