Those who were kidnapped along the Ajaokuta-Itobe Road in Kogi State, on Thursday, have been rescued by security operatives.
The victims, numbering 21, were reportedly rescued by a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local vigilantes.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State in a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed, said that the abducted persons, mostly travellers, were whisked to an unknown destination within the forest in the Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The statement read, “Upon receiving report of this distressing incident, Yahaya Bello, CON, the Governor of Kogi State, promptly issued directives to both security agencies and local vigilantes to embark on immediate actions that will lead to the freedom of the captives.
“He said the perpetrators of this reprehensible act must also be fished out. The directive underscored Governor Bello’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens/residents under his charge.”
The statement read that efforts by the combined security forces yielded results within 48 hours, leading to the 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,” it stated.
It lauded the security operatives for being proactive. It emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and security within the state.
According to the statement, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to safety of life and property in the residents of the state.
In view of this it said that the state government would collaborate with security agencies in an effort to combat crime and criminality.
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