The Kogi State Vigilante Services has reported the kidnapping of three passengers from an 18-seater Toyota bus in Aku village on the Okene/Lokoja Federal Highway in the Adavi local government area, Kogi State.
The incident was said to have occurred on Monday, between 15:00 and 15:15 hours.
The Controller-General of the Kogi State Vigilante Service, Ibrahim Omeiza Sani, issued a statement on Monday, saying, “Some armed men, suspected to be Fulani bandits in military camouflage, attacked an 18-seater Toyota bus with registration number Benue DAP 325 LG.
“In a swift response, the KSVS Osara Command and six (6) brave local hunters engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel.”
He said, “Although the suspects escaped into the forest with three (3) kidnapped passengers, the bus driver and three (3) others were rescued from the scene.
“However, during the mayhem, a bystander hit by a stray bullet died.”
He stated that the state Vigilante Service is aggressively gathering intelligence to improve the swift tracking of kidnappers in preparation for a future crackdown and the release of victims.
The Controller-General praised the bravery of his men and hunters.
He also praised the governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his persistent commitment to prioritizing security in all nooks and corners of the state.
The CG also praised Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, for his efforts and ongoing collaboration with KSVS in the overall endeavor to ensure a safer Kogi state.
He also urged his officers to step up their efforts to apprehend and prosecute any criminal elements, including kidnappers.
The vigilante chief restated his unwavering commitment to working with all other security agencies in the state to reduce insecurity to a bare minimum.
He also urged the public to be security mindful and cautious, reporting any suspicious activity or movements to law enforcement officials.
