The Kogi State Government has commended the swift intervention of security operatives and local hunters, which led to the rescue of 17 passengers kidnapped along the Lokoja–Obajana road yesterday.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government confirmed that the victims were freed after a prompt operation by the Nigerian Army and local hunters, who pursued the abductors and ensured their release. The rescued passengers were taken to medical facilities for examination and treatment.

The statement, however, expressed concern over a separate attack in Yagba West Local Council in which police officers lost their lives. The government described the fallen officers as gallant men who paid the supreme price in the line of duty, while extending condolences to their families.

Fanwo noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements, stressing that security personnel and equipment are being deployed to strategic areas. He urged citizens to cooperate with security personnel by providing timely and valuable information, assuring them that perpetrators of the attacks would be brought to justice.

“The Government of Kogi State will never submit to acts of terror. Together with the support of the people and the commitment of our security agencies, we will overcome those who seek to disrupt the peace of our land,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, earlier, tension spread across parts of the state and neighbouring Kwara as protesting youths blocked the Ilorin–Egbe road following reports of multiple killings.

The Guardian learnt that about 1,000 trailers were stranded on the highway as youths protested the killing of police officers and vigilantes along Egbe–Eruku road, as well as the abduction of the 17 passengers rescued near Lokoja.

Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, appealed to the protesters to withdraw from the highways and allow free movement of traffic. He commended the state government for its proactive response to insecurity and assured that both federal and state authorities were working with security agencies to flush out criminal elements.

“My office has been inundated with reported cases of killings on the outskirts of Egbe–Okoleke–Isanlu Esa road where policemen were ambushed and killed. There was also another reported case where the Vigilantes Operations Post along Egbe–Eruku road was attacked with the killing of vigilante officers. There was also a reported case of kidnapping along Obajana Lokoja road, where an 18-seater bus was attacked,” he said.

Karimi acknowledged the frustration of the youths but urged calm, stressing that insecurity was a national challenge that was not peculiar to Kogi. “The government is doing its best. I call for calm and support that will enable the government and security agencies to flush out criminals in the state,” he added.