Gunmen abduct three INEC staff, 6 others in Kogi
...as Kogi Gov't sues for calm amidst planned terrorist attack
By Obasola Olatunde
At least three officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are among nine persons abducted by gunmen at Amuna Ochikala in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Tuesday afternoon.
The victims were travelling in a Sienna bus from Utako Park in Abuja to Anambra State when the attackers ambushed their vehicle around 3 p.m., a few kilometres from Aloma town, and whisked them into a nearby forest.
The abducted INEC staff have been identified as Chinenye Oji, Adamaka Anih, and Catherine Temaugee. They were said to be on an official assignment related to the forthcoming Kogi governorship election, scheduled for the first week of November.
According to sources, the officials were en route to Anambra for the printing of voters’ registers and other materials when their bus came under heavy gunfire. The driver of the vehicle, who was later released alongside an elderly woman, confirmed that the gunmen shot at the moving bus, shattering its windscreen, but that no one was injured during the attack.
“The hoodlums took all the occupants of the bus, including my wife, into the bush. They later released me to take back an elderly woman who couldn’t continue the journey,” the driver said from a police station in Aloma.
Community sources said local vigilantes and hunters were immediately mobilised into the forest after the attack and, by Wednesday morning, had rescued four of the victims following a gun battle with the abductors.
“Four victims were rescued overnight after an exchange of gunfire with the kidnappers,” said Ajeka Oduma, a resident of Aloma.
In a related development, the Kogi State Government has called on residents of the State to remain calm and vigilant following reports of a planned terrorist attack in parts of Kogi and Ondo States.
In a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Government described the intelligence report as a step towards victory, noting that it demonstrates the proactive work of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies in protecting Nigerians from criminal elements.
“The report itself is evidence that our security agencies are alive to their responsibilities. We commend the DSS for their vigilance and for providing early intelligence capable of preventing such evil plans from being executed,” the statement read.
The Commissioner assured citizens that the Kogi State Government is working closely with the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Police, and other relevant security formations to ensure that any terrorist attempt is completely foiled before it can threaten lives or property.
“His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has made security of lives and property a top priority of his administration. Strategic security measures have been reinforced across the State, and surveillance has been intensified, especially around border communities,” Fanwo added.
He urged residents to go about their normal businesses without fear but to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest security agency.
“The Government will protect the people at all costs. We will not allow criminals or terror groups to disrupt the peace and progress we have built. Kogi remains one of the safest states in Nigeria, and we intend to keep it that way,” the statement concluded.