May 07, (THEWILL) – Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have rescued 58 kidnap victims, held hostage at Udulu Forest in Gegu LGA of Kogi State, bordering Sardauna Forest in Nasarawa State and other identified kidnappers’ dens in communities contiguous to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, who confirmed the development, said one of the victims, Tama Jonathan, died from the injury he sustained during the rescue operation.
Adeh, who his remains have been released to his family for burial, added that the other 58 rescued victims were being stabilised in a hospital and would be reunited with their families thereafter.
The Police said the “bandits/kidnappers on sighting the security team coordinated by the Police, fired at the security team, which resulted in a shootout duel.
“The bandits were overpowered and they escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries leaving behind their victims.”
SP Adeh, said the “rescue was part of efforts by the FCT Command leadership, in a sustained joint operation with other security agencies, vigilantes and hunters from the various local communities, to combat violent crimes in the FCT, rescue victims and bring perpetrators to book.”
She also said the Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command, CP Haruna Garba, has vowed that while effort was being sustained to prevent any further threat to safety and security of residents, the command would also not relent in ensuring the rescue of any resident held hostage by criminals and as well bring the perpetrators to book.
