By Chidinma Nwaoji
One Dead, Six Injured as Police Disrupt Kidnap Attempt in Kogi state
What began as a routine journey for 23 passengers along the Lokoja–Kabba Expressway took a tragic turn when armed men attempted to abduct them. However, a swift response by operatives of the Kogi State Police Command foiled the attack, rescuing all passengers. Sadly, one person lost their life, and six others sustained injuries.
In a statement released on Monday, June 24, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, described the incident as art of the command’s ongoing efforts to eliminate crime across the state.
Kogi state Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya
According to the statement, officers attached to the Obajana Division were on a confidence-building patrol along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko Road when they responded to the sound of sporadic gunfire.
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“Upon arrival, the officers engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel. The armed men, who had launched an attack on the 23 passengers, were overpowered and forced to flee, abandoning their victims,” the statement said.
All passengers were successfully rescued. However, six of them sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, one of the injured victims died while receiving medical care.
In a separate operation on June 21, officers from the Ayingba Division arrested two suspects—Umaru Jibril and Lukman Umaru—for illegal possession of a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property in collaboration with other security agencies. He also stated that the arrested suspects will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
