Police rescue 11 kidnapped victims in Kogi – THISAGE

By Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping incident reported along Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

According to a statement issued by ASP command spokesperson Saliu Afusat, armed hoodlums emerged from the bush around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo junction, blocked two buses traveling in opposite directions and kidnapped some passengers, while others fled into the surrounding bush.

“After receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, Ofu, led a joint security team to the scene, where two abandoned vehicles were recovered: a white Peace Mass Transit Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus.

“A coordinated search and rescue operation was immediately launched. The operation resulted in the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims, including the drivers of the two buses. Preliminary debriefing indicates that majority of the rescued victims are NYSC members traveling from Bayelsa State to Abuja.

“The rescued victims were interrogated and, after necessary procedures, they were allowed to continue their journey.

“The joint security operation is still ongoing in the surrounding forest with the primary objective of rescuing the remaining victims, arresting the culprits and bringing them to justice.

“The Command assures citizens that every available operational and intelligence resource will be deployed to secure the area and ensure the safe recovery of the remaining victims.

The Kogi State Police Command also received another report of an armed attack along the Itobe-Ochadamu Highway, particularly around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area, on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

The incident, according to the statement, occurred when armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and sporadically opened fire on motorists. A blue Toyota Corolla, registration GWA 636 CH, was later found abandoned along the highway.

“The driver, identified as Honorable Ishaq Yunusa, was found dead in the vehicle, while another occupant was taken to the bush by the attackers.

“The Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified operations within the area, with personnel currently combing the surrounding forest in a determined bid to locate and rescue the kidnapped victim and trace those responsible.

“The deceased has been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for post-mortem, while the Command is following all available leads in relation to the incident.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has directed sustained operational efforts to secure the affected corridor and ensure that the culprits are brought to justice.

“The Command therefore invites motorists and residents along the route to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the Police or other security bodies.

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