On Thursday, August 15, Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli and DCI Director Mohamed Amin convened an urgent security meeting in Moyale, Marsabit County, following the abduction of two South Korean nationals.
The abduction occurred on the night of August 12, 2024, around 9:00 p.m., when two armed assailants invaded Odda Mission Secondary School, where the victims were staying.
Initial investigations indicate that the assailants fled towards Funanyatta along the Marsabit-Moyale Highway, escaping on motorbikes and firing as they went.
In response, a multi-agency search and rescue team launched an immediate operation, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects, including six Ethiopian nationals.
The suspects were presented before the Moyale Principal Magistrate’s Court on August 13, 2024, and a 10-day custodial order was granted to facilitate further investigation.
Three cartridges recovered from the crime scene have been sent to the DCI Forensic Lab for ballistic analysis.
Area MP Jaldesa Guyo Waqo, along with Commandant GSU Ranson Lolmodooni, SAIG Director of the Anti-Terror Police Unit Mr. Said Kiprotich, and Border Police Unit Commandant Isaac Alimaa, accompanied Acting IG Masengeli to the abduction site.
During a meeting with regional and county security teams, Masengeli emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between security agencies and the public to address local insecurity issues. He urged community members to provide any information they might have regarding the abduction.
Similarly, the DCI Director called on officers to consolidate their efforts in the search operation, with the goal of securing the hostages and ensuring their safe return.
