The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has clarified that only six of the 11 persons rescued after last Friday’s abduction along the Aloma–Egane Expressway were National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, while the other five were travellers caught up in the attack.
Kankarofi gave the clarification on Monday in Lokoja while providing an update on the abduction of 15 NYSC members and other travellers along the highway in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner explained that the 11 persons earlier reported as rescued should not be regarded as members of the group of abducted Corps members, as five of them were other travellers who were also caught up in the attack.
He said six of the 15 abducted Corps members had so far been rescued as of Monday afternoon, following a joint security operation against the suspected bandits.
According to him, the victims were freed after security operatives engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle in the forest.
Kankarofi said the operation was continuing, with joint security teams combing the surrounding forests in an effort to locate and rescue the remaining victims.
The abduction had sparked concern across Kogi State, particularly following reports that 15 NYSC members and other travellers were attacked along the Aloma–Egane Expressway.
The Police Commissioner said security agencies were intensifying efforts to ensure the safe recovery of those still in captivity.
He also disclosed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction, adding that investigations into the incident were ongoing.
Kankarofi appealed to residents to support the security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist the ongoing rescue operation.
He assured that security personnel would continue to work to secure the affected areas and bring the situation under control.
