Kogi Police Rescue Four Kidnap Victims, Close In on Suspects

The Kogi State Police Command has rescued the four persons abducted during an attack on Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo, in Dekina Local Government Area, saying security operatives have identified the suspected kidnappers and intensified efforts to arrest them.

The victims were abducted when gunmen attacked the school on July 14.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the command said the victims were rescued on Thursday evening following a coordinated security operation involving the police, the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, hunters and other stakeholders.

According to the police, the operation was jointly coordinated by the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi; the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi; and the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.).

The statement said sustained intelligence gathering and bush-combing operations mounted pressure on the abductors, leading to the rescue of Elder Daniel Iyanda, Mr Solomon Peter, Miss Dorcas Sunday and Miss Dorcas Samuel at about 7:45 p.m. on July 16.

The command said the suspected perpetrators had been identified and that security agencies were closing in on them.

“With the victims now safely rescued, security operatives are closing in on the suspects, who will be arrested and brought to justice,” the statement said.

The police also disclosed that an investigation was underway into the unauthorised use of the abandoned Government Secondary School as a purported National Examinations Council (NECO) examination centre.

It warned that anyone found culpable in the matter would face prosecution in accordance with the law.

The commissioner of police commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, security agencies and local stakeholders for their support, which he said contributed to the successful rescue operation.

He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to strengthen efforts against crime.