***Troops Rescue 31, Driver and 9 Others Still Missing
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have abducted about 40 persons returning from the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Eyewitnesses said the victims, mostly residents of Abocho, Ajekeleaga, and neighboring communities, were attacked along the Dekina–Ajiyolo–Anyigba road around 6 p.m. on Friday.
They were said to have chartered a vehicle to Dekina, the LGA headquarters, for the registration exercise, but were ambushed on their way back by over 20 gunmen who whisked them into the bush.
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, Lokoja, in collaboration with local vigilantes, swiftly mobilized and engaged the kidnappers in a hot pursuit, forcing the criminals to abandon 31 of their captives.
A source said the kidnappers later escaped deeper into the forest with about 10 victims, including the driver of the vehicle.
“They deceived us by releasing some victims to make us relax,” the source explained. “Before we realized their trick, they had gone far with about 10 people.”
The rescued victims were taken to safety, while the abandoned bus was recovered and moved to Abocho Police Station.
Security agencies have since launched a search operation to rescue the remaining hostages and apprehend the assailants.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP William Ovye Aya, said the Command had yet to receive a formal briefing from the Dekina Division but assured that details would be made available once confirmed.
(Ends)