Date: 2019-07-28

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Friday, handed over four rescued Turkish expatriates kidnapped Saturday last week in the state to the Turkish Embassy in Abuja, the nation's capital.

Speaking late Friday after handing over the rescued nationals to embassy officials, hours after they were released, the Governor said the recent abduction was a "one-off event which does not represent who we are as a people".

According to a statement weekend by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye, Abdulrazaq said the government may consider toughening the state's anti-Kidnapping laws, among other measures to protect the lives and properties and keep investors confidence.

He said, "the abduction is a horrible crime against the innocent victims who had their freedom curtailed. The government also views the development as an assault on the peace loving people of Kwara state and will not go unpunished".

The statement added that the government was elated at the freedom of the expatriates, and thanked God for crowning the efforts of the Governor and the security agencies.

The government also urged the people to be vigilant and to report any suspicious movement or strange persons to the nearest security posts.

The four Turkish expatriates were abducted last Saturday in Gbale Village in the Edu Local Government Area of the state, while they were relaxing at a drinking joint.

The four Turkish expatriates are staff of Instabul Concrete Limited.