Kaduna Govt Refutes Report Of Kidnapping On Abuja-Kaduna Road

The Kaduna State government yesterday said a recent report of kidnapping of travelers on Abuja-Kaduna expressway was not only false but misleading.

In a statement issued by the commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Samuel Aruwan, the government expressed displeasure over the misleading piece of reportage which it said had unfortunately gained undue traction on social media and beyond.

According to the statement, the government viewed inaccurate and misleading reports as a major disservice to the campaign against banditry being prosecuted by officers and men of the security forces at the risk of their lives.

Aruwan confirmed that reports received from security agencies and the Kagarko local government council indicated that armed men barricaded the Gwaje village axis of the Kagarko-Jere Road on Wednesday and kidnapped an unspecified number of occupants from two vehicles, a Volkswagen Golf Wagon (Reg No. LGT228XA) and Volkswagen Passat (Reg No. FSK556AV). The vehicles were subsequently found empty.

The statement added: “The coordinates of the scene of the incident (Gwaje village) are 9°29’34”N 7°39’18”E, which give a location nowhere close to, or even off the Abuja-Kaduna Highway as reported.

“From available facts, the incident did not occur at Iche as reported by the media. The description which gives Kagarko town as being along Abuja-Kaduna highway is likewise inaccurate.”

He said the Kaduna State government was following up closely with security agencies on all issues regarding security and safety of citizens.