Kogi vigilantes ‘rescue 134 victims kidnapped from FCT councils’

Vigilantes in Kogi state have reportedly rescued 134 victims who were abducted from various parts of the federal capital territory (FCT).

In a statement on Monday, Onogwu Muhammed, chief press secretary to Yahaya Bello, Kogi governor, said the victims were rescued during the recent operations of the vigilantes in forests located in the state and some parts of Nasarawa state.

The vigilantes were said to have stormed the hideouts of kidnappers in the Odullo forest of Kogi and Sardauna in Nasarawa, rescuing victims who were abducted from Abaji, Kuje, and Kwali in FCT, as well as Toto council area of Nasarawa.

Dauda Aliyu, chairman of the Kogi/Koton Karfe LGA, who received the rescued victims, commended the vigilantes for their bravery.

He also acknowledged the support of the state government for security operatives in the state.

“The council boss ensured that the victims were properly reunited with their families in their respective LGAs,” he said.

“About 92 vigilantes participated in the operation at the Odullo forest in Kogi LGA after which they advanced to Sardauna in Nasarawa state.

“The council boss appreciated Governor Yahaya Bello for supporting the vigilantes, which he said had continued to help immensely in the fight against insecurity in the state.”

Jerry Omodara, the Kogi state security adviser, also commended the vigilantes and other security agencies in the state for their efforts in fighting crime in the state and beyond.

He said Bello’s administration will continue to make Kogi uninhabitable for criminals, adding that the governor is committed to making Kogi the safest state in Nigeria.