...No trace after four days, but governor’s aide says security operatives are trailing the abductors
The Security Adviser to the Kogi State Governor, retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, has confirmed that security operatives are on the trail of abductors of 18 passengers who were traveling in a bus belonging to ABC Transport.
The passengers were kidnapped on Sunday, March 16, while traveling to Abuja from the South East. The incident occurred at Oloma in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, a border town between Kogi and Enugu State.
Reliable sources told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that all passengers, including the driver, were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.
Omodara, while confirming the incident, revealed that a combined team of security operatives had launched a manhunt for the abductors.
He stated that security personnel in Kogi, including the Military, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local Vigilante groups, were working in strong synergy to rescue the victims.
"Just on Wednesday, all the security heads met twice to see that we get the kidnappers and rescue the victims," Omodara said.
He emphasized that community cooperation and intelligence sharing play a vital role in tackling insecurity.
"It is this kind of synergy and cooperation from residents, who provide us with useful information, that helps us to succeed," he added.
Omodara also noted that Kogi State has recorded a drastic drop in kidnapping and other crimes due to enhanced security strategies and local collaboration.
While acknowledging that crime may not be completely eradicated, he assured that security forces are relentless in their efforts to tackle any emerging threats.
The security adviser urged families of the abducted passengers to remain hopeful, assuring them that all victims would be rescued unharmed.
"We want Kogi to be a safe haven for all residents and passers-by alike," Omodara concluded.
(NAN)