Gunmen Abduct Kogi’s LG Caretaker Committee Chairman, Aides

Unknown gunmen have reportedly kidnapped the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Zacheous Michael.

The Police Public Relations Officer, William Ayah who confirmed the incident, said the caretaker chairman and some of his aides were abducted on Friday night along Kabba/Okene road.

The police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha has already deployed officers for a search and rescue mission, assuring that the command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the chairman and his aides are rescued.

He added that there wasn’t any information on whether the abductors had called to demand any ransom.

Inside sources are linking the incident to the forthcoming council election slated for October 19 by the State Independent Electoral Commission, as Zacheous Michael was adopted as the sole candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for Kabba local government.

Other sources think that his onslaught on kidnappers in his local government when he assumed office as Caretaker Committee Chairman, may be the cause of his abduction.

However, in an update on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Williams Ayah through a phone call, told Channels Television that Michael had regained his freedom.

According to him, the caretaker chairman claimed that he escaped from the hands of the kidnappers while they were being moved to an unknown destination.

He, however, said his aides are still in captivity.

“We are pleased to share that the CTC Chairman, who was abducted by unknown assailants on the Kabba-Okene Expressway on August 2, 2024, has been safely released.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to God for his safe return. We also want to express our sincere thanks to all members for their prayers and support throughout this ordeal. Your unwavering commitment and the dedicated efforts of the security forces were crucial in ensuring his release.

“We continue to pray for the swift and safe release of his aides, asking that they be returned without harm as soon as possible,” a later statement by the Administrators of the Owe Political Platform said.