Joint security team rescued 24 kidnapped victims in Kogi

Kogi State Police Command has announced the rescue of 24 kidnapped victims in less than 24 hours after their abduction.

In a statement by the Command’s Spokesman, William Ovye Aya on Saturday which was made available to CAPITAL POST, he revealed how the Police in collaboration with military and local vigilantes swing into action after a distress call to rescue the victims.

The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP to have assured of continued onslaught against criminal elements in the State.

It read: “The operatives of the Kogi State Police Command in collaboration with the Military and Local Vigilantes has rescued twenty four (24) kidnapped victims who were earlier kidnapped on Friday 29/12/2023 within ADOGO axis.

“This was 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.

“Immediately, the Area Commander Ajaokuta promptly swung into action led a combined Team of Police, Military and Local Vigilantes to the scene while combing the bush, as a result three victims were rescued including one of the Students.

“Today Saturday 30/12/2023, the Commissioner of Police Kogi State Police Command, CP Bethrand C. Onuoha, deployed additional Tactical Squad consist of the Quick Response Unit to the area to join the Team led by SP Sule Musa, Divisional Police Officer, Ajaokuta Division and to continue with the bush combing and ensure the remaining victims are rescued, while hoodlums apprehended and bringing them to deserved justice.

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

“During a gun duel that ensued, owing to the superior firepower of the Team, the hoodlums were forced to flee and abandoned their victims. While twenty one (21) victims including eleven (11) Students and three (3) Teachers were rescued unhurt. Efforts is ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

“The CP while commending the efforts of the Team, assures of a continue onslaught against criminal elements in the State and to ensure the safety of lives and property.

“He enjoys the law abiding citizens of the State to continue to collaborate with the Police and other Security Agencies by way of volunteering timely and credible information on the activities of Criminal elements in the State.”