Unknown gunmen have kidnapped Zacheous Michael, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Kabba Bunu Local Government Area in Kogi State. The abduction occurred on Friday night along the Kabba/Okene road, and involved the chairman and several of his aides.
Police Public Relations Officer William Ayah confirmed the incident, stating that the Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has mobilized officers for a search and rescue operation. Ayah assured that the police will spare no effort in securing the release of Michael and his aides. There has been no information about whether a ransom has been demanded.
Sources suggest that the abduction might be related to the upcoming council elections scheduled for October 19, for which Zacheous Michael is the sole candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for Kabba local government. Another theory is that Michael’s previous efforts against kidnappers in his local government could be a factor in his abduction.
On Saturday, Ayah updated that Michael had escaped from his captors while they were moving him to an undisclosed location. However, Michael’s aides remain in captivity.
“We are pleased to announce that the Caretaker Committee Chairman, who was abducted on the Kabba-Okene Expressway on August 2, 2024, has been safely released,” the police spokesperson said.
The statement continued, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to God for his safe return. We also want to express our sincere thanks to all members for their prayers and support throughout this ordeal. Your unwavering commitment and the dedicated efforts of the security forces were crucial in ensuring his release. We continue to pray for the swift and safe release of his aides and hope they are returned without harm as soon as possible.”
