Some passengers abducted along the Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba Road in Kogi State reportedly escaped from captivity after their kidnappers allegedly fell asleep inside a forest hideout.
According to reports, the armed attackers intercepted two commercial buses and forcefully marched passengers into the bush during the Saturday attack in Ofu Local Government Area. One of the affected buses reportedly bore Ebonyi registration number NKE 737 XA.
Victims who later escaped narrated that the gunmen, said to be heavily armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns, robbed passengers of phones, cash, and valuables before taking them deeper into the forest.
One of the escapees explained that the abductees seized the opportunity to flee after noticing that some of the kidnappers had dozed off during the night.
Security sources also disclosed that one suspect identified as Monday Agi was arrested shortly after the incident during ongoing security operations involving local vigilantes, hunters, and security operatives.
The spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, reportedly did not respond to calls and text messages seeking official confirmation at the time the report was filed.
Security Concerns Persist
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity and highway kidnappings across parts of Nigeria, especially along inter-state routes linking communities in the North Central region.
Residents have repeatedly called for improved surveillance, rapid-response patrol teams, and stronger intelligence gathering to curb attacks targeting travelers.
