The police command in Kogi has rescued one victim and arrested seven suspects in connection with a kidnapping on the Ayere-Kabba Road.

The command’s spokesperson, Afusat Saliu, announced this in a statement on Friday.

Ms Saliu said the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on April 13 on the Ayere-Kabba road, heading toward the Kabba council area.

She said preliminary findings showed that armed hoodlums attacked a Toyota Hiace bus owned by Chisco Transport Company, with registration number KJA 405 YJ.

“The bus was en route to Abuja from Lagos when it came under attack.

“A coordinated response by security operatives led to the rescue of one victim, identified as 56-year-old Adoun Julius. The vehicle was also recovered and has been taken to the police station for further action.

“The commissioner of police, Naziru Kankarofi, has assured the public that the command is fully on top of the situation,” she said.

Ms Saliu said the joint team of the police, military, and other security agencies has intensified bush-combing and search-and-rescue operations to free the remaining abducted passengers.

According to Ms Saliu, the suspects linked to the attack have been arrested and are in custody, assisting police investigations.

“The anti-kidnapping unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), backed by tactical teams, is leading the operation to ensure the safe rescue of victims and arrest of other perpetrators,” she added.

Ms Saliu reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property. She said Mr Kankarofi warned criminal elements to desist, stating that “the full weight of the law will be decisively brought to bear on anyone found culpable”.

The police urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and to share credible information with security agencies.

Families or relatives of the victims have been asked to report to the SCID Headquarters in Lokoja, specifically the anti-kidnapping unit, to aid identification and investigations.

She said suspicious activities can be reported to the command’s control room on 07038329084 or 08152195982.

(NAN)