Vigilante, neigbourhood watch arrest 28 suspects in Kogi

No fewer than 28 criminal suspects have been arrested at different locations in the last one week  across  eastern senatorial district of Kogi state.

The suspects were arrested by the Joint Task Force of State Vigilante Service and the Neigbourhood Watch.

The Chairman of Vigilante in Imane community, Mr Usman Okoliko, who disclosed this in Okpo, Olamanoro local government area of Kogi state, while handing over the suspects to Okpo police division , said those arrested were four kidnappers who confessed to have been terrorising the people of Dekina and Bassa local government areas .

According to him, “Over 16 members of cult groups who confessed to be from Ankpa local government area of Kogi state were also arrested in Olamaboro local government area while carrying out initiation of new members.

“The cult group also confessed to have carried out several armed robbery operations along  Ankpa-Okpo-Otukpa road.”

He added that eight  gang members of miscreants who were fond of destabilising the peace around Anyigba and Egume communities in  Dekina LGA of the state were also apprehended by the security agencies when they led masquerades into the mosque during  congregational prayers in order to spark up religious crisis.

The vigilante leader said the activities of the group had gone beyond cultism, stressing that they always  engaged in armed robbery, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the areas.

Senior special assistant to the governor, Hon Ishaq Shaibu, described the suspected criminals as miscreants who were bent on fomenting  trouble in Dekina local government area.

Confirming the arrest of the suspects in Lokoja on Monday, the Police Public Relation Officer , Kogi state command,  Mr William Ayah said four kidnappers and 14 cultists were handed over to Okpo police division for further investigation.