Security operatives in Kogi State have arrested a suspected member of a criminal gang linked to a deadly attack in Ayegunle Igun Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, which left two people dead and about 30 others abducted.
The suspect, identified as Ibrahim, was arrested during a joint security operation that also led to the recovery of about 100 rustled cattle.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, the attack was allegedly ordered by a notorious bandit leader known as Batijo, who reportedly directed the operation in retaliation for the arrest of some members of his gang.
Police said the attackers initially targeted the traditional ruler of Ayegunle Community, Oba Sunday Omodamori, but failed to abduct him because he was not at home at the time.
The gunmen subsequently abducted three residents, including Ojo Abiodun, Bunmi Sunday and Chief James Obayomi.
Authorities said Obayomi was later killed while attempting to escape from captivity, while the other victims remain in the hands of the kidnappers.
The attackers later moved to the Kabba–Obajana Road, where they blocked the highway and abducted passengers from commercial vehicles.
Police said one passenger, Abdullahi Hashimu, was killed after gunmen opened fire on a vehicle that refused to stop, while four others sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Security agencies launched search and rescue operations into surrounding forests and discovered that about 200 cattle had been rustled during the raid.
Sustained pressure from security forces forced the criminals to abandon about 100 of the animals, which were subsequently recovered.
Investigators said information obtained from the arrested suspect has helped identify other alleged members of the gang, including Aliyu, Lamido, Muhadahire and Kache, with efforts ongoing to apprehend them.
Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, visited the affected community and assured residents that operations to rescue those still in captivity are continuing.
He commended the cooperation among security agencies and local stakeholders, saying it played a key role in generating intelligence and recovering the stolen cattle.
The police commissioner also urged residents to continue providing credible information to support efforts aimed at dismantling the criminal network and restoring security in the area.
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