Kogi State, Nigeria – Police operatives in Kogi State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, are currently in search of nine persons after 17 out of the victims abducted by gunmen at an Islamic institution, Daarul Kitab School, were found.
The kidnapped victims included 24 pupils/students and two wives of the proprietor, Mallam Mohammed Tanko Tajudeen.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the abduction occurred on Sunday, April 26, at about 11:45p.m. in an orphanage home attached to the Islamic school, located at Zariagi along NNPC Road, Kabba Junction, Lokoja, in an isolated area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, in a statement said that when the report was received, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘B’ Division Lokoja swiftly mobilized a joint team of security operatives and proceeded to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
“The operatives immediately mapped out strategies and commenced coordinated rescue operations.
“Through these efforts, seventeen (17) of the abducted pupils/students have been successfully rescued.
“Rescue operations are ongoing by joint security operatives comprising the Police, Military, and other security agencies, with concerted efforts being intensified to secure the safe release of the remaining nine (9) victims, consisting of seven (7) pupils and the two (2) wives of the proprietor,” the PPRO stated.
She said that the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, visited the scene of the incident and ordered massive deployment of tactical teams to strengthen ongoing bush combing, intelligence gathering, and surveillance operations aimed at rescuing the remaining victims and apprehending the perpetrators.
The police spokesperson added: “The Command assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid the ongoing operation.”
Encouraging members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or information that could assist ongoing operations through the Command’s Control Room Numbers: 0703 832 9084 and 0815 219 5982, the police command assured them that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The Commissioner of Police also reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the State and calls on residents to continue to support the Police in the collective fight against crime.
