The Security Adviser to Kogi Governor, retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, says security operatives are on the trail of abductors of 18 passengers in a Bus belonging to the ABC Transport.
The passengers were kidnapped on Sunday.
Omodara disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lokoja.
NAN recalls that the bus, reportedly heading to Abuja on Sunday, March 16, from the South East was reportedly hijacked by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at Oloma in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi, a border town between the state and Enugu State.
Reliable sources told NAN that all passengers of the bus, including the driver were abducted by the gunmen.
However, Omodara, who confirmed the incident, said that a combined team of security operatives have launched a manhunt for the abductors.
He said the operatives in Kogi, including the Military, Police, DSS, NSCDC and Vigilante groups were in strong synergy to ensure rescue of the victims.
“Just on Wednesday, all the security heads met twice to see that we get the kidnappers and rescue the victims,” he said.
According to him, it is this kind of synergy, and cooperation from residents, who provide us with useful information that helps us to succeed.
He said that Kogi has recorded a drastic drop in kidnapping incidents and crimes due to synergy and cooperation from residents.
The state security adviser said though they might not be able to completely eradicate crime in the state, they were making efforts to tackle anyone that reared its ugly head.
He assured families of the abducted passengers that they would be released unhurt.
“We want Kogi to be a safe haven for all residents and passers-by alike.