9th February, 2024
The 14 passengers abducted while traveling in two buses in Inyenle and Ogugu in the Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State and two missionaries kidnapped at the Parish Rectory of Saint Vincent De Paul Parish in Fier, Catholic Diocese of Pankshin, Plateau State have regained freedom from their abductors.
The passengers were traveling in two buses belonging to God is Good Motors (GIG) and ABC Transport
The Spokesperson for Kogi Police Command William Aya said the 14 bus passengers were freed following a combined effort of the military, police, hunters, and vigilantes.
“I can confirm that all the kidnapped victims of God Is Good Motors and ABC Transports have regained freedom,” Aya said.
But he failed to confirm whether a ransom was paid was not mentioned.
The GIG bus going from Umuahia, Abia State to Abuja was hijacked at Inyenle, Ogugu in Kogi state with 14 passengers abducted.
The driver of the GIG Motors was rescued earlier the same day while others were marched into the bush
The chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State Chapter, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo, confirmed the release of the Catholic two priests in Plateau in the early hours of Thursday after three days in the kidnappers’ enclave.
But he could not ascertain whether ransom was paid to secure the release of the priests.
He added that the two priests had been taken to the hospital for medical check-ups.
Also, the Police Public Relations Officer, Plateau State Command, Alfred Alabo, confirmed the release of the two Catholic priests.