Gunmen kidnap 9 travellers along Kogi road

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

The assailants reportedly struck around 4:20 p.m. as a 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, forcing the vehicle to stop.

In the chaos, the driver, identified as Sunday Okechi, and six passengers fled into the bush, while the remaining nine were taken captive and led 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)