From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Police Command in Kogi State has confirmed the killing of three of its officers by unknown gunmen in a checking point in Egbe, a community sharing boundary with Kwara State.
The Police Public Relations Officer PPRO SP William Ovye Aya who confirmed the incident noted that it happened in the early hours of Wednesday.
Aya said that the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye has deployed Police tactical team to the area adding that they are on the trail of the gunmen.
“I can confirm to you that three of our officers on duty was killed today in Egbe; a border community with Kwara State.
“The Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical squad to the area. We are currently on the trail of this Men of the under world and they will all be arrested”he started.
Meanwhile the Kogi State Government has commended the swift response of security agencies and local hunters, which led to the rescue of 17 passengers kidnapped along the Lokoja–Obajana road on Thursday.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Government confirmed that the victims were freed following the prompt intervention of the Nigerian Army and local hunters, who pursued the abductors and ensured the safe release of all passengers. The rescued victims have since been taken to medical facilities for examination and care.
The government also expressed deep concern over the reported attack on security operatives in Yagba West Local Government Area, which resulted in the death of some police officers. While expressing condolence to the families of the slain officers, the State described them as gallant men who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
Fanwo noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to rid the State of criminal elements, assuring that personnel and security equipment are being deployed to strategic locations to restore security.
He called on citizens to cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and useful information, stressing that the perpetrators of the attacks will be brought to justice.
“The Government of Kogi State will never submit to acts of terror. Together with the support of the people and the commitment of our security agencies, we will overcome those who seek to disrupt the peace of our land,” the statement added.
