NIGERIA: Kogi Government Condemns Attacks, Confirms Rescue Of Kidnapped Passengers

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Kogi State Government has condemned fresh security breaches in the state that claimed the lives of police officers and led to the abduction of bus passengers.

In a statement on Thursday, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said armed men attacked security personnel in Yagba West Local Government Area, resulting in the death of some officers.

He added that another incident occurred along the Lokoja Obajana road where passengers were kidnapped.

According to the statement, 17 abducted passengers were rescued through the swift intervention of the Army and local hunters who pursued the kidnappers.

The rescued victims have been taken to medical facilities for examination and treatment.

The government expressed condolences to the families of the slain officers, describing their sacrifice as supreme and their courage as inspiring in the fight against criminality.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was quoted as reaffirming his administration’s determination to strengthen security across the state.

Fanwo said additional personnel and equipment have been deployed to strategic locations to forestall further breaches.

The government urged security agencies to intensify investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice, while also calling on residents to cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and useful information.

Fanwo assured that the state would not succumb to acts of terror and pledged that with the resilience of security agencies and the support of citizens, peace will be sustained in Kogi.