One passenger killed, six wounded as police thwart kidnap attempt in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command has said that its operatives on Monday foiled two kidnapping attempts on 23 passengers along the Lokoja/Kabba road.

A statement released on Monday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, noted that the operation was “Part of sustained efforts to rid Kogi State of all forms of crime and criminality.”

The statement added, “On 23rd June 2025, the operatives attached to Obajana Division, while on a confidence-building patrol along Obajana–Oshokoshoko Road, foiled an attempted abduction of 23 passengers who were attacked by armed hoodlums.

“The patrol team responded promptly to the sporadic gunfire heard in the area and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel.

“Upon sighting the police, the hoodlums opened fire but were repelled, which forced them to abandon their victims and flee.

“All the passengers were successfully rescued. Unfortunately, six victims sustained injuries, and one died while receiving treatment.

Also, on June 21, 2025, operatives attached to Ayingba Division arrested two suspects, Umaru Jibril and Lukman Umaru, for being in possession of a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

The PPRO said that the state Commissioner of Police, Miller G. Dantawaye, has given assurances to the people of the state of the command’s unwavering commitment in synergy with other security agencies in ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state.