Fourteen travellers heading to Abuja who were abducted last Friday in Kogi State have been successfully released.
The victims, traveling in two buses belonging to God Is Good Motors and ABC Transport, were kidnapped at Inyenle, Ogugu, in the Olamaboro Local Government Area of the state.
Reports indicate that the driver of the GIG vehicle was rescued on the same day, while the others were taken into the bush by the kidnappers.
The Kogi State Police Command swiftly launched a vigorous manhunt for the abductors, with the Area Commander leading a team to the area. Although the two buses were located, the occupants were not found, making it difficult to determine the exact number of people taken.
Confirming the release of the travellers, the Kogi State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, stated that all the kidnapped victims from God Is Good Motors and ABC Transport are now free. However, he did not provide details regarding whether a ransom was paid for their release.
It was disclosed that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N15 million for each traveller to secure their freedom.
In related incidents, two Ekiti monarchs were killed by gunmen on January 29, while five pupils and four staff members of Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, were abducted. The victims were later released in separate incidents.
Meanwhile, Inspector–General of Police Kayode Egbetokun reassured Nigerians of the police force’s commitment to curbing kidnapping, killings, and other criminal activities during a conference with strategic police managers at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
