Kogi : 5 passengers killed, others abducted as gunmen attack bus conveying travellers from Abuja

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of five people and the abduction of several passengers following an armed attack on a commercial bus along the Oshokoshoko/Agbede Highway near a military checkpoint in the state.

According to a report by security analyst Zagozola Makama, the incident, according to security sources, occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Friday, January 30, when heavily armed assailants barricaded the road and began shooting at vehicles travelling through the area.

An 18-seater Toyota bus with Jigawa State registration number HJA 687 YD, which was conveying passengers from Abuja to Ilesha, came under heavy gunfire during the attack.

“Five unidentified corpses with gunshot injuries were recovered at the scene,” the source said.

The sources added that one of the passengers, Naziru Aliyu, sustained gunshot wounds but was rescued and taken to Fisayo Hospital for medical attention. The bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Federal Teaching Hospital mortuary in Lokoja.

The Divisional Police Officer in Obajana was reported to have mobilised joint security personnel to the scene for assessment and rescue operations.

Subsequent bush-combing and intelligence-led efforts led to the rescue of 14 additional passengers. They were identified as Qorib Akere, Hamsatu Umar, Maryam Abubakar, Alpha Abdullateef, Alpha Uammi Adamu, Sanni Yahaya, Engr. Wojuola Olajide, Ademola Ibrahim, Fidelis Ajeh, Musa Muhammed, Nehemiah Gyang, Kanini Moses and Simon Obadiah.

Some of the rescued passengers also suffered gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Fisayo Hospital.

Police said about four passengers from the bus remain unaccounted for.

Investigations have commenced, while efforts to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the attackers are being intensified.

The command reassured residents and motorists of its resolve to restore safety along the highway and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.