One Dead as Police Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the death of one passenger during a foiled kidnap attempt along the Obajana-Oshokoshoko road.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Lokoja, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, the command’s spokesperson, said the operation was part of a series of bold actions carried out by the command to curb criminal activities in the state.

He explained that on June 23, operatives from the Obajana Division responded swiftly to reports of gunfire and intercepted hoodlums attempting to abduct passengers along the highway.

“The police patrol team engaged the criminals in a gun duel, forcing them to flee. All passengers were rescued, but six sustained injuries, and one later died while receiving treatment,” Ovye-Aya said.

In a separate incident on June 21, the command arrested two suspects in Ayingba for possession of firearms and recovered a locally made pistol, live cartridges, and suspected Indian hemp.

Additionally, on June 22, officers from the Okene Division intercepted a Nissan vehicle en route to Auchi. During the search, one passenger escaped, leaving behind a bag containing a Sub-Machine Gun (SMG) rifle, live ammunition, and other items.

The recovered weapons and ammunition included:

• 1 SMG Rifle (breach number 5197)

• 1 Magazine

• 28 rounds of 5.6mm live ammunition

• 1 live G3 ammunition

• A locally made pistol

• 2 live cartridges

SP Ovye-Aya quoted Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye reassuring residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kogi State.