June 3 (THEWILL) — The Kogi Police Command has announced the arrest of a key suspect linked to the recent coordinated bandit attack on Ayegunle Community along the Obajana–Kabba Road in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state, while confirming that about 30 persons were abducted during the violent operation.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the Command described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack, which left residents and travellers in fear and further heightened security concerns in the area.
Afusat disclosed that the arrested suspect, identified simply as Ibrahim, is believed to be a core member of the criminal network of a notorious bandit leader known as Batijo.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Batijo masterminded the invasion of Ayegunle Community and mobilised members of his network to carry out the operation.
The statement further indicated that intelligence gathered by investigators suggested the attack was launched as a retaliatory action following the arrest of some members and associates of the gang leader by security operatives.
“The arrest of the suspect marks a significant operational success in the ongoing efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of the coordinated bandit attack on Ayegunle Community”, the statement read.
The Command confirmed that approximately 30 individuals were abducted during the incident, including residents of Ayegunle Community and passengers travelling in commercial vehicles operating along the affected route.
According to police findings, the traditional ruler of Ayegunle Community, Oba Sunday Omodamori, was reportedly the principal target of the attackers, who allegedly intended to abduct him during the invasion.
However, their plan failed as the monarch was said not to have been at his residence when the armed men stormed the community.
Following their failed attempt, the hoodlums reportedly ransacked parts of the community and abducted three residents identified as Ojo Abiodun, Bunmi Sunday, and Chief James Obayomi.
The police said tragedy struck during the incident as Chief James Obayomi was later killed by his captors while attempting to escape from captivity.
The two other victims, according to the Command, remain in captivity.
Investigations further revealed that after carrying out operations within the community, the armed criminals proceeded to the Kabba–Obajana highway, where they reportedly blocked the road and opened fire on moving vehicles in a bid to force motorists to stop.
During the attack, the assailants allegedly intercepted a container truck and shot the driver in both legs before continuing their operation along the route.
Authorities said the gunmen also intercepted commercial vehicles and abducted several passengers, contributing to the total number of kidnapped victims recorded during the incident.
The police assured residents that security agencies had intensified efforts to rescue those still in captivity and bring all those connected with the attack to justice.
The Kogi State Police Command urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing operations against criminal elements in the state.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped victims and apprehend other members of the gang were continuing.
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