Armed men believed to be kidnappers have abducted 12 passengers traveling on a Toyota bus along the Okene–Auchi route in Kogi State. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday as the victims were returning from Abuja to Benin, Edo State. Among those taken were newly called‑to‑bar lawyers who had been part of a ceremony in Abuja.
An eyewitness account indicates that the attackers ambushed the bus around noon, forcing the passengers into the bush. Security operatives quickly mobilized to the scene in response. According to the Kogi State Police Command, some hostages have already been rescued.
ALSO READ Zamfara Confirms 10 Dead in Mining Pit Collapse
SP William Aya, the Police Public Relations Officer for Kogi State, confirmed that the bus (Big Joe Ventures Ltd Toyota Hiace, registration Edo FUG 13 XY) was intercepted by the kidnappers during the journey. He also disclosed that the DPO of Okene Division, CSP Nasir Muhammad, worked in collaboration with military personnel and local vigilantes to launch a rescue operation. As a result of the counter‑action, eight victims including the driver—were freed. Four others are still in captivity.
Efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining four abductees and arrest those responsible for the attack.
