Three ‘kidnappers’ killed as police repel attack on Nasarawa highway

The Nasarawa police command says three suspected kidnappers were killed during an attack on Assakio-Sabon Gida road in the Lafia east area of the state.

Ramhan Nansel, police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday.

Nansel said the suspected kidnappers blocked the highway and kidnapped one Ezekiel Luka who is from Taraba state.

He said one victim was rescued, while one of the suspected kidnappers was apprehended.

“On 13/4/2023, information was received that suspected kidnappers blocked Assakio-Sabon Gida road in Lafia east development area of Lafia LGA and kidnapped one Ezekiel Luka ‘m’ of Taraba state,” the statement reads.

“Reacting to the unsavoury development, police operatives attached to Assakio division, led by SP Ekoja Elaigu, launched a manhunt for the abductors.

“Consequently, on 14/4/2023 at about 1400hrs, the police operatives came in contact with the kidnappers where a gun duel ensued.

“Bowing to the superior firepower of the operatives, three suspected kidnappers were neutralised, the victim was rescued unhurt, one kidnapper (Friday Orshio of Gidan Adamu, Assakio, Lafia east development Area) was arrested and one locally fabricated revolver gun and seven rounds of 6.72mm ammunition were recovered from the suspects as an exhibit.”

The police spokesperson added that Maiyaki Baba, commissioner of police, commended the operatives and urged them to sustain the tempo of eliminating criminals in the state.