Zainab Abioye
President Bola Tinubu has announced the rescue of 21 Nigerians, including 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps, abducted in Kogi State last week.
The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued on Monday afternoon from a kidnappers’ hideout in a forest in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
Tinubu disclosed this in a statement, saying the rescue followed a coordinated Search and Rescue operation involving the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and local vigilantes.
The President expressed relief over the safe recovery of the victims, describing them as innocent and law-abiding Nigerians.
“I am delighted to receive the news that the fifteen members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other innocent and law-abiding Nigerians abducted last week in Kogi State by some criminal elements have regained their freedom,” Tinubu said.
He said the joint security operation successfully located and rescued all 21 victims from the forest.
“The well-coordinated Search and Rescue operation carried out by a combined team of personnel of the military, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, and local vigilantes safely rescued all twenty-one abductees,” he added.
The rescued corps members and other victims are currently receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families, according to the President.
Tinubu, however, said the operation had not ended with the rescue, as security personnel were still pursuing the kidnappers responsible for the abduction.
“While the abductees have been safely rescued, our gallant security forces are still on the trail of the routed kidnappers, in line with my directive to sustain the pressure on all criminal elements,” he said.
He warned that those behind the abduction, as well as anyone who assisted them, would be made to face the law.
“Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime,” Tinubu stated.
The President also commended the security personnel involved in the operation for their courage and dedication, while acknowledging the anxiety experienced by the victims’ families during the period of captivity.
He assured parents and relatives of NYSC members that his administration remained committed to protecting their lives and property.
“As I share in the relief and joy of the parents and loved ones of the rescued individuals, I want to once again assure parents and loved ones of our dedicated corps members that my administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of their lives and property, as well as those of other Nigerians,” he said.
The latest development followed the abduction of NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing their orientation programme.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 26, along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area.
The Kogi State Police Command had earlier confirmed the abduction and said some of the victims had been rescued while security personnel continued efforts to locate those still in captivity.
The reported attack had raised fresh concerns over the safety of major highways and the vulnerability of travellers in parts of the country.
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