Combined Security Agencies Rescue 24 kidnap victims in Kogi
The Operatives of the Kogi State Police Command,in collaboration with the Military and Local Vigilantes, has rescued 24 victims kidnapped on Friday 29th December 2023 within ADOGO axis under Ajaokuta Local Government of the State.
The Commissioner of Police in the State,CP Bethrand Onuoha, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) SP William Ovye Aya in Lokoja and made a copy to our correspondent on Sunday.
The statement 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 on 29th December 2023, the Area Commander Ajaokuta ACP Ayodele Ola Arogbo promptly swung into action.
“He led a combined Team of Police, Military and Local Vigilantes to the scene, and while combing the bush, three victims were rescued, including one of the Students”.
The statement disclosed further that on Saturday, 30th December 2023, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State deployed 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,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 abandoned their victims.
“While 21 victims, including eleven 11 Students and three Teachers were rescued unhurt,efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects,”he added.
The Commissioner of Police 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.
Meanwhile, a group under the auspice of Concerned Youths in Ajaokuta has commended Ajaokuta Area Commander , Nigeria Police Force ACP Ayodele Ola Arogbo, and other security agencies, for rescuing all the kidnapped victims in the Local Government.
In a statement signed by its spokeperson on Sunday, Eneye Onimisi, he noted that, since ACP Arogbo was deployed to Ajaokuta, the Local Government has not been a safe haven for criminal elements in Kogi State.
While noting that ACP Arogbo efforts in combating crimes and criminalities in Kogi State should be commended, Onimisi said ” the rescue of all the kidnapped victim in Ajaokuta Local Government led by ACP Arogbo is highly appreciated and commendable.
” When our gallant officers are doing well, it is important we shower them all the desired encomiums. They keep risking their lives for us to sleep with our two eyes closed. With this remarkable achievement by the Nigeria Police in Kogi State led by ACP Arogbo alongside his officers and other security agencies comprising the military, vigilantes, we are very optimistic that, Ajaokuta will continue to be the safest place in the Country”.
