Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
A joint patrol team of Vigilante and Hunters patrolling Okene /Lokoja highway within Adavi and Okehi local government areas were reported to have gunned down two suspected armed robbers and kidnappers terrorising the area.
The report signed by King Habib the Media Aide to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security matters, Okehi Local Government Area Hon. Abdulraheem Ohiare, said another attempted attack by suspected armed robbers and kidnappers has been foiled by the joint local Vigilantes and Hunters .
“Another attack planned by kidnappers along Okene lokoja road was foiled by the Okehi Local Government and Adavi hunters and vigilantes early hours of today.” (Saturday) Habib said.
He explained that the SSA security incharge of Okehi Local Government Hon Abdulraheem Ohiare and his Adavi countapart Hon Joseph Omuya Salami led the team to the bush based on intelligence report .
According to the source, ” the hunters first apprehended one Godwin Peter a native of Ekeje in Olamaboro local Government area and Sanni Habib, a native of Idoji in Okene Local Government who were sighted patrolling the road at about 4:30 am today (Saturday) both confessed to be spies and informants to the criminals which led to the success of the operation this morning”.
On sighting the Vigilante team, the kidnappers the bandits were said to have shot sporadically and in the gun duel three of the kidnappers were gunned down.
Three sophisticated pump action riffles, Bullets, Mask and Charms were recovered from the kidnappers.
When Global Times contacted the Police for confirmation, the state Commissioner of Police CP Ayuba Ede said though the reports from the local government areas were yet to reach him, efforts are on to hear from the Divisional Police Officers.
However, Kogi state government has confirmed the incident. Chief Press Secretary to Kogi state Governor, Onogwu Mohammed hailed the gallantry of the vigilante and the Senior Special Assistants on Security of the two local government areas.
The CPS called on the people to be on the alert and report any auspicious persons and movements to the police and Security agencies.
