The Kogi State Police Command has officially announced the release of the Chief Imam of Iyara, Sheikh Quasim Musa, who was abducted by gunmen earlier this week.
News About Nigeria gathered that Sheikh Quasim Musa was reportedly kidnapped from his residence in Ilukpa, Iyara, the headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area of the state, on Monday, March 25, 2024.
The assailants, armed and firing indiscriminately, forcibly took him from his home to an undisclosed location.
Confirming his release, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, issued a statement on Saturday, informing the public of the Chief Imam’s regained freedom.
In the statement, SP William Aya wrote, “This is to inform you that the Chief Imam of Iyara Central Mosque, Alhaji Qasim Musa, who was earlier kidnapped, regained his freedom yesterday night.”
However, the statement did not provide details regarding the circumstances of his release or whether any ransom was paid to secure his freedom.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egebtokun, disclosed that there has been a surge in kidnapping and murder cases over the past eight weeks.
According to Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force recorded 214 cases of kidnapping and 537 homicide cases during this period.
Egbetokun stated that 3,685 suspects were apprehended for their involvement in various criminal activities, while 401 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued.
“Our responses to the current internal security threats require strategic deployments that are not only proactive but also technology and intelligence-driven,” Egbetokun said.
Egbetokun revealed that in the past eight weeks, the police recorded 141 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks, 126 cases of armed robbery, and 39 cases of unlawful possession of firearms.
Additionally, 216 firearms, 3,601 rounds of ammunition, and 82 vehicles were recovered during operations.
