Kogi,
A kidnap attempt along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko road in Kogi State turned tragic on Monday as one passenger lost his life and six others were injured during a fierce gun battle between police operatives and a group of suspected kidnappers.
The kidnappers had ambushed three commercial vehicles conveying 25 passengers, intending to whisk the travellers into the forest. However, a timely intervention by a police patrol team from Obajana Division disrupted the operation. On sighting the operatives, the criminals opened fire, prompting a swift response from the police.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, confirmed the incident and said the police’s superior firepower forced the kidnappers to flee into the nearby bush with gunshot wounds, abandoning all the passengers.
According to Aya, “The hoodlums had ambushed a J5 vehicle with registration number LSD 572 XJ, a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number KPA 93 LG and another Toyota Hiace bus marked GWA 663 XD. All the passengers in the vehicles were rescued, although sadly, one of them died while receiving treatment and six others were critically injured.”
The Police Command described the patrol operation as a routine confidence-building exercise that helped in foiling the abduction.
In another operation, five suspected armed robbers were intercepted by police operatives attached to the Okene Division on the Auchi–Okene road on Sunday. The suspects were travelling in a Nissan vehicle with Plateau State registration number LGT 893 AA when they were flagged down for a stop-and-search operation.
“One of the suspects took to his heels and escaped into a nearby forest,” Aya revealed. “A search of his bag led to the recovery of an SMG rifle, one magazine, 28 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, one G3 live round, charms, phone accessories, and clothing items.”
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
In yet another development, police operatives attached to the Ayingba Division arrested two suspects, Umaru Jibril and Lukman Umaru, on June 21. The suspects were found with a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
SP Aya added that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, assured residents that the command remains committed to working with other security agencies to maintain law and order across the state.
“Our men are on ground and alert. Criminal elements will continue to face resistance wherever they operate,” the Commissioner stated.
