16-year-old kidnapped Kogi girl found in Imo returns home

Recall that Ms Labaran, aged 16, was abducted by unknown gunmen at the popular Ganaja junction, Lokoja Kogi State.

The gunmen were said to have blindfolded her and took her to a bush before she eventually escaped.

In a recent statement released by the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, the teenage girl was rescued by a Good Samaritan on 25th July 2023.

It was gathered that the Good Samaritan saw her wandering about along the road within Nkwerre and subsequently took her to Nkwerre Police Station.

Receiving Khadizat Labaran on Friday on behalf of the Government, the Kogi State Commissioner for Women and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Buba, commended Imo State Government and the Nigeria Police for returning the girl to Kogi State.

Buba explained that her ministry has been in constant touch with Imo State to ensure that the girl returns to Kogi State safe and healthy.

“I have been communicating with the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Imo State including the Nigerian Police for the quick repatriation of this teenage girl. Since we heard about the incident, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs under my watch has been working round the clock with my Permanent Secretary and staff to ensure her safe return.

“We thank God that this has been achieved today. We want to thank every state actor who has made this a reality”.

The Girl has reunited with her parents Mr and Mrs Labaran who are both from the Eastern part of Kogi State.