KOGI POLICE DENY REPORT OF KIDNAPPING INCIDENT

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By; Ganiyat Sunmola

The Kogi State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that passengers were kidnapped along the Kabba–Okene Road on June 17, describing the allegation as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, Oyiza Salisu, clarified that no kidnapping incident occurred in the area as alleged.

She explained that around 9 p.m. on June 17, a commercial bus driven by a man identified as Ojo, an indigene of Kabba, was travelling to Ibilo while carrying a load of cocoyam when the driver noticed unusual lights ahead on the road.

According to her, the driver attempted to turn back but, on spotting some individuals moving toward the vehicle, abandoned the bus and ran to a nearby military checkpoint for safety.

Salisu stated that no passengers were on board the vehicle at the time of the incident, stressing that no one was kidnapped or harmed.

She added that preliminary investigations indicated the incident was not criminal in nature, noting that the vehicle reportedly developed an electrical fault which contributed to the situation.

The goods were later transferred to another vehicle and delivered to their destination without further issues, she said.

The police spokesperson further explained that the matter was resolved at the military checkpoint and was not formally reported to the police, as there was no kidnapping or casualty involved.

She reiterated that claims of an armed attack and abduction of passengers were false and misleading.