Kidnapped Kogi Chief Imam Regains Freedom

An Islamic cleric who was recently abducted in Kogi State has reportedly regained his freedom from his abductors.

Naija News understands that the Chief Imam of Iyara in Ijumu Local Government Area, Sheikh Qasim Musa, was abducted by unknown gunmen on Monday, March 25, 2024, at his residence in Ilukpa, Iyara, the administrative centre of the local council.

Some unknown gunmen are said to have arrived in a commando-style, firing shots into the air before taking him away to an undisclosed location.

Reports, however, emerging on Saturday morning confirmed that the cleric has been freed.

The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, officially confirmed the Imam’s freedom on Saturday morning through a brief message relayed to journalists.

“This is to inform you that, the Chief Imam of Iyara Central Mosque, Alhaji Qosim, who was earlier kidnapped, regained his freedom yesterday night,” Aya reportedly told Channels Television.

Meanwhile, the Senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has expressed her strong condemnation of the recent violent attacks in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi state, which tragically claimed the lives of at least 19 individuals.

In light of these disturbing events, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan urged a comprehensive investigation to uncover the underlying and immediate factors that contributed to these attacks and to identify and apprehend those responsible.

The lawmaker appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to promptly intervene and restore peace and stability to the affected communities.

In a statement released by her media aide, Arogbonlo Israel, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones as a result of this crisis.

She emphasized the urgent need for a thorough examination of the root causes of the conflict, which tragically resulted in the unjustifiable loss of innocent lives.

The senator stressed the importance of security agencies pursuing the masterminds behind the heinous crime.

She urged both the State and Federal governments to take immediate action to prevent the crisis from worsening, emphasizing the use of intelligence by security agencies in tracking down those responsible for the crime.

Furthermore, she recommended that the community collaborate with law enforcement to help identify the criminals and ensure they face legal consequences.