By; ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja
The 21 persons abducted on the Ajaokuta-Itobe road in Kogi State on Thursday have regained their freedom.
They were rescued by a team of three security operatives comprising personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local vigilantes.
The information was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, by the state governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed which indicated that the victims, mostly travellers, were taken to an unknown destination within the dense forest around the Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State.
“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.
According to him, the directive underscored Governor Bello’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens/residents under his charge which informed the directive that the perpetrators of the reprehensible act must also be fished out.
The CPS said the efforts of the combined security forces yielded double results within 48 hours leading to the release of the 21 captives the apprehension of some of the kidnappers while those still at large are being trailed while others are being trailed.
Expressing his relief and satisfaction at the outcome of the operation, Governor Bello commended the security operatives for their effective response.
The governor emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and security within the state, stressing that his administration has zero tolerance for lawlessness as he is committed to the pursuit of safety in the the state as one acknowledged as a one in the country.
This he said is the goal of the governor which has propelled his commitment to leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of keeping the state as one of the safest in the country.
Bello, while commending the security agencies in the state, reiterated his government’s commitment and collaborative efforts in the ongoing battle against criminal elements.
