By John Audu..
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt when his convoy intervened to thwart the abduction of motorists along the Ejule and Ochadamu roads in the eastern part of the state.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Ofejiji in Ochadamu, Ofu Local Government Area, shortly after the Deputy Governor’s convoy had passed through the area. The suspected kidnappers targeted an 18-seater BD Express Bus, which was transporting passengers from Otukpo, Benue State, to Lagos, coinciding with the Deputy Governor’s travel.
Meanwhile the Deputy Governor office reported that , “Fortunately, security personnel in the backup van of the Deputy Governor’s convoy quickly intervened and rescued the passengers from the scene. After notifying the Nigerian Army, the Police, and local vigilante groups, the Deputy Governor directed them to confront the kidnappers and ensure their apprehension for prosecution.”
The swift action of the convoy’s security team helped prevent what could have been a serious incident. Authorities are now working to track down the suspected kidnappers and bring them to justice.
Kidnapping continues to plague Ofu, with motorists and travelers frequently targeted. OBSERVERS TIMES recalls the abduction of pastors, who were later released following security intervention. Now, tensions are rising, particularly involving armed groups and the Deputy Governor. Sources indicate the Deputy Governor is working to disarm these groups, but faces resistance. the Deputy Governor is facing serious political crisis with some alleging that he wants to dislodge the Ofu bad boys and install his own but security source confided in this platform states that the consistent harassment of travelers and kidnapping in the Deputy Governor’s own communities is an embarrassment and intentional staged to embarrass the Deputy Governor.
