Police Rescue 58 Kidnap Victims In FCT, Kogi

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued 58 victims held hostage at Udulu Forest, Gegu LGA of Kogi State, bordering Sardauna Forest, Nasarawa State and other identified kidnappers’ den in communities contiguous to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

However, one of the victims, Tama Jonathan unfortunately sustained injury during the rescue operation and died on the spot.

His remains have subsequently been released to his family for burial. The other 58 rescued victims are being stabilised in the hospital and would be reunited with their families.

The police said the bandits/kidnappers on sighting the security team coordinated by the police fired at the security team which resulted in a shootout duel.

The bandits were overpowered and escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries leaving behind their victims.

FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh said the rescue is part of efforts by the command leadership, in a sustained joint operation with other security agencies and vigilantes and hunters from the various local communities, to combat violent crimes in the FCT, rescue victims and bring perpetrators to book.

She also said the commissioner of police, FCT Police command, CP  Haruna Garba has vowed that, while effort is being sustained to prevent any further threats to safety and security of residents, the command would also not relent in ensuring the rescue of any resident held hostage by criminals and bring the perpetrators to book.

The commissioner of police called for the cooperation of residents, especially in being security conscious and giving credible information to the police.