Gunmen kidnap 18 in Kogi, as Army reiterates commitment to security

G UNMENkidnapped 18 passengers travelling in a bus at Ochadamu area, along Anyigba/ Itobe road in Ofu Local Council of Kogi State on Monday, the state govern - ment confirmed yesterday .

A witness told The Guardian that the incident happened around 4.00p. m. on Monday at a black spot on the high - way in the Ochadamu area.

The Guardian learnt from a resident that the hoodlums flagged down the 18- seater bus at gunpoint on the highway and evacuated the passengers into the bush.

The bus was reportedly heading to Abuja from the eastern part of the country.

Locals noted that kidnapping in the area, which had reduced drastically, resumed recently after the army checkpoint in the areas was dismantled following the accident that claimed many lives and destroyed over 20 cars.

Security operatives, including vigilantes in the community, were said to be making frantic efforts to rescue the victims.

Security Adviser to Governor

Yahaya Bello, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara ( rtd), who confirmed the incident, yesterday, said the state government “is on top of the s i t u a t i o n . ”

According to him, the state government has put measures in place to arrest the kidnappers and rescue the victims, as well as stem the tide of criminality in the area.

“Since the hoodlums are coming back from their cells to operate in that region again, the government will rejig its strategies and match them fire for fire.

“We have fought them; we will fight them; and we will continue to fight them until they are neutralised in that axis. Security agents have been alerted and they will do the needful,” he said.

But efforts to reach the state police command proved abortive, as repeated calls to the Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO), William Aya, were not responded to. MEANWHILE,

the Nigeria Army ( NA) has reiterated its resolve to continue discharging its constitutional duties of ensuring national security professionally and proficiently.