Two killed as security operatives ambush ‘kidnappers trying to collect ransom’ in Kogi

Two suspected kidnappers have been reportedly killed, following an ambush by security operatives in Abobo area of Okehi LGA of Kogi state.

Onogwu Muhammed, chief press secretary to the Kogi state governor, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Mohammed said the alleged kidnappers were killed in an ambush by security operatives, while attempting to collect ransom.

“It was another bad day for some criminal elements operating in Kogi State as two kidnappers were gunned down in the early hours of Tuesday while collecting ransom on behalf of their victims from one of the neighbouring states,” the statement reads.

“Following actionable intelligence report, professional hunters in Okehi Local Government Area of the state ambushed the kidnappers who came out in Abobo area behind Nigerian Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe to collect the ransom demanded before the release of their victims.

“Two of the three kidnappers were killed in the process, while one escaped into the bush with gunshot wounds with captives freed in the operation.”

He added that Ovanja Yakubu, division police officer in Okehi LGA, has deployed operatives to work with local hunters to fish out the third suspected kidnapper.

According to the statement, Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, promised to continue to ensure the safety of residents.

“The governor commended the professional hunters and the conventional security agencies in the state for their tireless efforts in rooting out criminal elements from the state,” he added.