AIR FORCE OFFICER FOILS ROBBERY ATTEMPT IN ABUJA, RESCUE VICTIMS 17-02-24
By Sadiq Aminu A serving Nigerian Airforce Officer, Air Commodore John Ijudigal, has successfully foiled a robbery/kidnapping attempt by suspected criminals popularly known as ‘one-chance’ in Abuja.
In a statement by Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet says the incident occurred on Wednesday this week at Accra road, Wuse zone 5, leading to the apprehension of three of the suspects and the eventual rescue of two of the kidnapped victims.
The statement explains that the incident unfolded at about 7.28pm as Air Commodore Ijudigal was commuting home in his staff car after work, when he suddenly came across a distressing scene: An Abuja-painted taxi (Mazda) reversing on high speed, with terrified passengers inside screaming for help.
In pursuit of the taxi was a black Toyota land cruiser. Instinctively, Air Commodore Ijudigal immediately joined in the pursuit by using his official vehicle to block the escape route of the criminals.
The driver of the ‘one-chance’vehicle, in a state of panic, then collided with Air Commodore Ijudigal’s official vehicle, resulting in significant damage to both cars. The impact caused the ‘one-chance’ vehicle to skid into a nearby garden.
Following the collision, Air Commodore Ijudigal promptly exited his vehicle and chased after one of the occupants of the ‘one-chance’ taxi, who fled into a nearby bush.
With the assistance of onlookers gathered at the accident scene, the driver of the ‘one-chance’ vehicle, along with two other suspects (a male and and a female), were apprehended, while two females victims were rescued.
Subsequently, Air Commodore Ijudigal contacted a nearest police post and personally ensured the three criminals were handed over to the FCT Police Commissioner,Mr Benneth Igweh, at his office.
Responding, the FCT Police Commissioner commended the senior officer for his courage, highlighting that his intervention not only foiled robbery/kidnapping attempt, but also played crucial role in apprehending criminals in the FCT.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has since commended Air Commodore Ijudigal for his act of selfless service.