Kogi State, Nigeria – Unknown gunmen have carried out a kidnapping in Kogi State, targeting an Islamic cleric, Alfa Fasasi Ola Mejabi, and his younger brother. The incident occurred as they were escorting the remains of the Chief Imam of Ayegunle Gbede, Sheikh Musa Olorunkemi, from Lokoja to Ayegunle Gbede in Ijumu local government of Kogi state for burial on Sunday.
The kidnapping incident took place at Oshokoshoko, along the Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba road. According to an occupant of the vehicle who managed to escape abduction, their car was traveling ahead of the vehicle carrying the late Sheikh Musa’s body. Sheikh Musa had passed away on Sunday morning after a brief illness.
Sources report that since their abduction, the victims’ telephone lines have been switched off. However, the kidnappers reportedly made contact with the family on Monday morning, demanding a ransom of N10 million for the safe release of the captives.
Kogi State’s State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omadara, has confirmed the incident and assured that security operatives in the state are actively pursuing efforts to rescue the kidnapped individuals and apprehend the perpetrators. He emphasized that the security agencies are committed to ensuring the safe return of the victims.