Gunmen abduct 9 travellers in Kogi

Nine travellers were kidnapped on Friday after armed men ambushed a commercial bus at Ogbabo Junction along the Itobe–Anyigba Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The attack occurred at about 4:20 p.m. when the Hummer bus, owned by a transport company and heading to the eastern part of the country, approached the junction. Witnesses said the gunmen opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to halt.

Amid the chaos, the driver, identified as Sunday Okechi, and six passengers managed to flee into the nearby bush. The remaining nine occupants were seized by the attackers and marched into the surrounding forest.

Sources disclosed that the attack occurred barely 300 metres from a military checkpoint along the Ogbabo–Ochadamu Road. Security operatives later recovered the bus, bearing registration number ENZ-55 XS, as well as a blue Toyota Carina ‘E’, both of which were abandoned at the scene.

The vehicles are now said to be in safe custody as security agencies, working with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and local hunters, have launched a manhunt to locate the abductors and free the hostages.

Confirming the incident, state police command spokesman SP William Aya said: “Yes, we are in touch with our men. The Command is making efforts in collaboration with the military, vigilantes and hunters to rescue the victims and arrest the criminals.”

(NATION)