Gunmen kill Dangote security, abduct Portuguese expatriate

Idris Ahmed, Lokoja

Despite huge resources to mobilise security to combat banditry and violent crimes by the Kogi state government, the security situation has recently escalated.

On Monday, two policemen attached to Dangote construction site were killed, while the Portuguese expatriates they were guarding were kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

They were said to be attacked around 7:00 pm while providing cover for the Portuguese expatriates supervising road construction along Obajana/Kabba road.

A source who volunteered information under anonymity disclosed that two expatriates were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Aya (ASP), who confirmed the incident told correspondents that “on October 23, at about 7pm, unknown gunmen numbering about 15 engaged two police officers guarding one of the expatriate road construction workers, staff of AG Dangote Company Limited. The armed gunmen shot two police officers, one died at the spot, while the second died at the hospital.”

Aya gave the names of the officers’ killed as Sgt Gini John and Insp Ezekiel Negedu. They also kidnapped one of the expatriate name Jose Machada.

“The state Commissioner of Police, Ali Jangak immediately directed Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to move to the scene to assess the situation and commence combing the bush for possible rescue of the victim,” Aya said.

According to him, the CP visited the scene on Tuesday and met With Dangote Management and some expatriates assuring that, Police are doing their best to ensure the victim is rescued unhurt.

He disclosed that the CP has deployed SARS, PMF, CTU, SIB and conventional Police to the area to comb the bush.