The Kogi State Police Command said on Tuesday that 19 of its officers were killed by armed robbers and kidnappers between January and August.

The outgoing Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, who disclosed this at the inauguration of a newly-renovated police barrack in Lokoja, said several others were also wounded in the course of duty.

He described his six-month stay in the state as the most challenging due to high wave of armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities.

Ogunjemilusi commended men and officers of the command for standing up to the challenge, saying that he was leaving the state better and safer and with pride.

He listed his achievements to include the renovation of the barrack and the command headquarters through direct labour at the cost of N32 million.

He commended Governor Idris Wada, traditional rulers and members of the Police Community Relation Committee for their support and cooperation, which he said, enabled him to record the modest achievements.

The commissioner also thanked the Inspector-General of Police for the opportunity given him to serve the people and commended men and officers of the command for their dedication and commitment to duty.

Inaugurating the renovated barrack, Governor Wada thanked Ogunjemilusi for his services to the state, especially in the area of crime prevention.

Wada also commended him for initiating the renovation work, saying that he had laid a good foundation for his successors to build upon. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Wada