Kogi Highway abduction: Police rescue victim, arrest 7 suspects

By Stephen Adeleye

Security operatives have rescued one victim and arrested seven suspects in connection with a kidnapping incident involving a bus owned by Chisco Transport Company on the Ayere–Kabba Road of Kogi State last Sunday.

The bus was attacked at about 8:30 p.m. on the Ayere–Kabba road on April 13, inward Kabba Local Government Area, spokesperson for Kogi Police Command ASP Afusat Saliu, said in a statement on Friday in Lokoja.

She said that preliminary findings showed that the bus was en route to Abuja from Lagos when it came under attack.

“A coordinated response by security operatives led to the rescue of one victim, identified as 56-year-old Adoun Julius.

“The vehicle was also recovered and has been taken to the police station for further action.

“The Commissioner of Police Naziru Kankarofi, has assured the public that the command is fully on top of the situation,” she said.

Saliu said the joint team of the Police, Military, and other security agencies have intensified bush-combing and search-and-rescue operations to free the remaining abducted passengers.

She noted that seven suspects linked to the attack have been arrested and in custody, assisting police investigations.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), backed by tactical teams, is leading the operation to ensure the safe rescue of victims and arrest of other perpetrators,” she added.

The command pledged to provide updates as developments unfold.

She reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

She said the CP Kankarofi warned criminal elements to desist, stating that “the full weight of the law will be decisively brought to bear on anyone found culpable.”

The police urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to share credible information with security agencies.

The command assured that all tips will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Families or relatives of the victims have been asked to report to the SCID Headquarters in Lokoja, specifically the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, to aid identification and investigations.

She said suspicious activities can be reported to the Command’s control room on 07038329084 or 08152195982. (NAN)