Senior security officials, led by Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, convened in Moyale on Thursday for an urgent security meeting in response to the recent abduction of two South Korean nationals.
The abduction took place on the night of August 12, 2024, when two armed assailants raided Odda Mission Secondary School, where the victims were staying.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects fled the scene on motorbikes, heading towards Funanyatta along the Marsabit-Moyale Highway while firing shots. A rapid multi-agency search and rescue operation was immediately launched, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects, including six Ethiopian nationals.
The suspects appeared before the Moyale Principal Magistrate’s Court on August 13, 2024, and were granted a 10-day custodial order to facilitate ongoing investigations.
Security forces recovered three cartridges from the crime scene, which have been sent to the DCI Forensic Lab for ballistic analysis. On Thursday, Acting Inspector General of Police Mr. Masengeli visited the abduction site, accompanied by area Member of Parliament Prof. Jaldesa Guyo Waqo and senior security officials, including GSU Commandant Mr. Ranson Lolmodooni, Director of the Anti-Terror Police Unit Mr. Said Kiprotich, and Border Police Unit Commandant Isaac Alimaa.
During a briefing with regional and county security teams, Mr. Masengeli stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation between multi-agency security teams and the public. He urged local residents to provide any information that could aid in resolving the case and securing the safe return of the hostages.
DCI Mr. Mohamed Amin echoed the need for collaborative efforts, emphasizing unified action to ensure the hostages are safely recovered. The National Police Service has appealed to the public for any information related to the abduction, asking them to contact the DCI’s toll-free number 0800 722 203 or reach out through the NPS hotline numbers 999/112/911 or the nearest police station.
