Nigeria News Today: Police Confirm 12 Travellers Abducted on Okene–Auchi Road in Kogi

By Safiyat Muhammed | The Bureau News

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that twelve travellers were abducted on Friday along the Okene–Auchi road, a major route linking Abuja and Benin City. The incident, which involved passengers in a commercial bus, has raised fresh concerns about security in the state.

Details of the Attack

Police spokesperson William Aya told journalists in Lokoja on Saturday that the victims were travelling in a Big Joe Toyota Hiace commuter bus with registration number Edo FUG 13 XY. The bus had departed Abuja for Benin City, Edo State, when armed kidnappers intercepted it and took all twelve passengers hostage.

Police Response and Rescue

According to Aya, swift intervention by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Okene, Nasir Muhammad, working in synergy with the military and local vigilante groups, led to the successful rescue of eight victims, including the bus driver. Four passengers remain in captivity.

Ongoing Efforts

Aya assured that security forces have intensified operations to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the remaining victims. “Efforts are still underway to rescue the remaining four victims and possibly apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous act,” he said.

The attack underscores the growing trend of security challenges reported by The Bureau News in Nigeria News Today, with highway kidnappings posing significant threats to travellers and communities across the country.

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