Security agencies in Kogi State have successfully rescued two women kidnapped in Yagba West Local Government Area, while efforts continue to free three university students still held by their abductors. This was announced by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement on Saturday.
Fanwo highlighted that the state government, led by Governor Ahmed Ododo, is actively addressing the recent surge in criminal activities. “The state government is rising to the challenge of defeating the torrent of criminality waged against the state in the last month,” Fanwo stated. He attributed the increased criminal activities to insurgents and bandits displaced from the North East, now attempting to establish themselves in North Central Nigeria.
He reported the rescue of 21 out of the 24 students from Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, who were kidnapped last week. “This morning, we received the heart-warming report of the rescue of a woman from Yagba West and another from Yagba East Local Government Area,” Fanwo added.
Despite these successes, the search for the three remaining students continues, with the state government emphasizing the importance of every life. The government has also secured the release of numerous other kidnapped victims, some of whom were abducted in other states and brought to Kogi.
Governor Ododo has taken decisive action by approving the immediate employment of thousands of local hunters across the 21 local government areas. These hunters are tasked with targeting criminal camps and hideouts.
Fanwo also mentioned that the Joint Forces—including the Army, Police, DSS, NSCDC, Metropolitan Response Squad, and Hunters Group—are conducting simultaneous operations across Lokoja and the three Senatorial Districts, including border communities.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has declared a silent war on criminals, deploying resources and forces to ensure the enemies of our people are defeated,” Fanwo noted. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement in making Kogi a crime-free state.
Fanwo urged citizens to assist security agencies by providing intelligence to enhance the state’s security. “We want to assure our people that the government is working hard to protect everyone and that the criminals are learning the hard way that Kogi won’t be a ground for their criminal trade. The criminals are rattled and they won’t escape justice,” he concluded.
