A tragic incident occurred on Saturday in Kogi State as gunmen attacked a GIGMobility bus traveling from Lagos to Abuja, abducting all passengers onboard near Obajana, along the Lokoja route.
The driver of the bus managed to escape, but the remaining passengers were taken hostage. Reports indicate that the attackers have demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for the release of one of the victims, whose friend shared details of the ordeal on X (formerly Twitter).
Eyewitness and Victim Accounts
An X user recounted her friend’s abduction, explaining the kidnappers’ ransom demand:
“My friend, returning from her convocation in Benin Republic, was kidnapped at Lokoja. The kidnappers are demanding ₦100 million for her release. Please help us!”
Another X user who witnessed the aftermath shared:
“I drove past the scene yesterday. Only the driver was left at the location, and the bus’s windscreens were shattered. It was near Dangote Refinery at Obajana heading to Lokoja. I narrowly escaped as my car overheated at Kabba.”
GIGMobility’s Response
The transport company, GIGMobility, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday evening, expressing their distress over the attack:
“We deeply regret this unfortunate incident and are affected by this as much as the families of the victims. We are committed to supporting the affected passengers and their families in every way possible.”
The company has urged authorities to intervene swiftly to secure the release of the abducted passengers.
Rising Security Concerns in Kogi State
This incident adds to the growing security challenges along the Lagos-Abuja route, with frequent reports of highway robberies and kidnappings. Travelers have called for increased security presence in the region to safeguard commuters.
Efforts to contact local law enforcement for updates on the rescue operation have been unsuccessful.
Authorities Urged to Act
Concerned citizens have taken to social media, demanding immediate action from security agencies to locate and rescue the victims. The attack has heightened fears among travelers and renewed calls for comprehensive measures to tackle insecurity on Nigerian highways.