By Abel Leonard/ Lafia
Nasarawa State Police Command says it has arrested the 12 man gang who masterminded the kidnapping of 26 officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Nasarawa state, seven months ago.
This was disclosed by a police source who does not want his name disclosed told our Correspondent that, two of the kidnappers are from Sokoto state, two from Kebbi state, two are from Zamfara state, three from Kano state, two from Plateau state and one from Benue state.
Recall that on Monday September 14, 2020, 26 officials of FRSC who were traveling in two buses from Sokoto and Kebbi commands of the corps for a training programme at FRSC Academy, Udi, Abuja, were attacked at Udege junction, along Mararaban-Udege, Nasarawa State, at about 8 a.m.
“Investigations by the Nasarawa state police command over the past seven months led to the arrest of the 12 member gang that masterminded the kidnap”, he said.
He revealed that the gang was involved in the kidnap of the two wives of the former Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Aliyu Ahmed Tijani, who were later released after a ransom of N5 million was paid.
The same group is said to have also kidnapped the grandchildren of the Paramount Ruler of Udege community in Nasarawa LGA of the state and later released them after collecting a ransom of N10 million.
The source further stated that the State Police Command, since the kidnap of the FRSC officials has been on its toes to ensure that the bandits who have been terrorising residents in the state are arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.
“The Anti-Kidnapping unit of the Police Command headed by CSP Anietie Eyoh was able to track down on the bandits in Nyanya, a town in Karu Local Government Area of the state when they were trying to escape from the police.
Confirming the arrest, Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Ranham Nansel explained that before their arrest, the bandits had given residents of the state sleepless nights as they were constantly unleashing terror.
“The Nasarawa Police Command is happy that this set of bandits who have been terrorising residents of the state have finally been arrested by our gallant officers. We will continue to do everything within our powers until the state becomes completely free from all forms of insecurity”, he said.
He therefore advised members of the public to always assist the Police with useful information that will help them do their job effectively.
