Security forces in Kogi State have successfully rescued David Akpa, the district head of Bagaji Odo in Omala Local Government Area, days after he was kidnapped by unidentified assailants.
Police spokesperson SP Williams Ovye-Aya confirmed the rescue on Thursday in a statement issued from Lokoja. He revealed that Akpa was abducted on Monday while returning from a traditional council meeting held in Abejukolo, the administrative headquarters of Omala LGA. The incident occurred in the Ojuwo Ugweche community.
According to the police, security personnel responded promptly to a distress alert and managed to locate and extract the traditional ruler from a forest hideout without harm. Ovye-Aya stated that the operation was carried out by a combined team made up of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, local hunters, and members of vigilante groups.
He affirmed that the search effort was still ongoing in order to flush out any criminal networks that might be operating in the area, noting that the operation forms part of a broader commitment to preventing such incidents across the state.
“The traditional ruler was rescued safely and is expected to reunite with his family shortly,” SP Ovye-Aya said.
Mr Gift Idoga, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Omala Local Government, also confirmed the development. He disclosed that the district head is currently receiving medical attention at the residence of the local government chairman and is in stable condition.
In his statement, Ovye-Aya called on residents to maintain strong collaboration with security agencies by sharing timely information, which he said would help in dismantling criminal networks and preventing further acts of abduction.
