The 21 victims kidnapped along the Ajaokuta-Itobe road in Kogi State, on Thursday, have been rescued, within 48 hours, by a joint team of security operatives, comprising personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, Civil Defence and local vigilantes.
The victims, predominantly travelers were abducted and taken to an unknown destination within the tick forest around the Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi state.
Upon receiving report of the incident, the state Governor Yahaya Bello immediately issued directives to security agencies and local vigilantes to embark on massive search that led to the freedom of the captives.
Speaking on the success achieved by security agencies in the rescue of the victims on Saturday, Governor assured that the perpetrators of the heinous act must be apprehended to face the full wrath of the law.
“The determined efforts of the combined security forces yielded results within 48 hours, leading to successful release of the 21 captives.
“Furthermore, the operation led to the apprehension of some of the kidnappers while those still at large are being trailed” he said
Governor Bello while expressing satisfaction at the positive outcome of the operation, he commended the security operatives for their rapid and effective response.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and security within Kogi State, assuring that his administration would not leave any stone unturned in his relentless effort to keep Kogi state safe at all time.
He seized the opportunity to issue a stern warning to those with nefarious intentions to relocate from the state, saying “Kogi is a no-go area for all forms of criminalities”
