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By correspondent in Lokoja.
The State Police Command in Kogi state says it has intensified coordinated rescue operations, following the abduction of 26 persons from Daarul Kitab School in Lokoja, with 17 victims already safely recovered.
The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Oyiza Afusat Saliu,
disclosed in a statement in Lokoja that, a joint team of security operatives,comprising the police, military, and other agencies,was swiftly mobilised after the incident was reported on Sunday evening.
According to her, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘B’ Division Lokoja led an immediate response to the scene, where operatives assessed the situation and mapped out strategies for the rescue mission.
“Through sustained and coordinated efforts, seventeen of the abducted pupils have been successfully rescued, while operations are ongoing to secure the safe return of the remaining nine victims,” she said.
Afusat added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has visited the scene and ordered the deployment of additional tactical teams to strengthen bush combing, intelligence gathering, and surveillance across the area.
She assured that security agencies are maintaining pressure in the ongoing operation to ensure all victims are safely reunited with their families.
The police further appealed to residents to remain calm and support security efforts by providing credible information that could aid the operation.
Sources said the incident occurred at Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution with an attached orphanage located in an isolated area along NNPC Road near Kabba Junction in Lokoja.
Available information indicates that unknown gunmen had earlier gained access to the premises on Sunday evening and took away 26 persons, including 24 pupils and two wives of the school’s proprietor, Mallam Mohammed Tanko Tajudeen.
The Command appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or information that could assist ongoing operations through the Command’s Control Room Numbers: 0703 832 9084 and 0815 219 5982.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
