Kidnapped Kogi Council Chairman Regains Freedom

Kidnappers have released the abducted chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area in Kogi State, Pius Kolawole.

Naija News reports Kolawole was abducted on Saturday around the boundary of Kogi and Kwara States while the Commissioner for Pension, Solomon Adebayo, who was with him, was shot dead.

Recall that the kidnappers had called the secretary of the local government on Sunday as well as one of the family members of the chairman to demand 100 million ransom for the release of Kolawole.

The kidnappers, however, promised to reach out on Monday to continue with the terms of negotiation.

But an unconfirmed source said Kolawole was received by jubilant supporters and family members in his hometown, Egbe.

According to the source, Kolawole is hale and hearty and has reunited with his family.

Meanwhile, Boko Haram terrorists are reportedly plotting a daredevil attack on the National Assembly complex and other public buildings in Abuja.

Naija News understands that federal lawmakers have been notified of the imminent attack by the terrorist group.

One lawmaker from the southwest disclosed that his presence would henceforth be limited on the premises.

“That is the security alert I saw today. I’m already moving out of here. I’ll only be around when there is a major reason to do so. Nowhere is safe in the country anymore,” he told The PUNCH.

It was gathered that a security notice had been sent to the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, other principal officers and all members of the House.

The ‘security alert’, dated May 4, 2021, was issued by the Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, National Assembly, Usman Shiddi.

It was titled ‘Re: planned insurgent attacks on VIP locations, government facilities and assets in Abuja.’

The alert read, “I refer to the above subject of which a copy of the intelligence report from the Force Intelligence Bureau of the Nigeria Police Force in the National Assembly Complex has been made available to my office.

“The report indicates planned insurgent attacks by some elements of Boko Haram on some VIP locations, government facilities and assets in Abuja, including the National Assembly complex.

“In view of the above intelligence, I have considered it paramount to advise that all members should, henceforth, use the presidential gate for ingress and egress.

“This is to avoid the unforeseen congestions that are sometimes encountered at the main gates, since such congestions could easily be the targets for these insurgent elements.

“Security agencies are, however, actively on top of the issue to unravel and to contain the intended menace. Accept the assurances of my highest regards, please.”