Staff of Ajaokuta Steel Kidnapped in Kogi

A nurse with the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Roland Omosegbon,  was at the weekend kidnapped along the Kabba-Obajana road in Kogi State by unknown gunmen. According to reports made available to THISDAY by family sources, Omosegbon was abducted while returning to Ajaokuta from Odo Ape with Pastor John Ige in a Toyota Corolla metallic ash colour. The report also said Ige successfully escaped from the hands of the gunmen, but was injured with a machete, adding that the kidnappers are demanding N2 million for the release of the nurse. “The kidnappers demanded N2 million and rejected N150,000 the family raised for Omosegbon’s release,” the source said. Omosegbon’s kidnap has further exposed the rate at which people are being kidnapped in the state. Sources said this has increased fear in the state especially among indigenes and discourages them from travelling home for engagements or to see their loved ones.

Meanwhile, the state police command has said it has arrested 30 suspected kidnappers terrorising the state. The 30 suspects, mostly Fulanis, were arrested across the state following a tip off from members of the public.  It said the suspects were arrested at their various hideouts in the state, stressing that dangerous weapons were recovered from them. The state Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. William Ayah, said the special squad put in place was working round the clock to flush out kidnappers from the state. On the alleged kidnapping of some staff of Ajaokuta Steel, Ayah said the command had not been briefed of the incident.

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