The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of passengers, most of them National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area.
The victims were travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja when armed men reportedly emerged from a nearby bush and intercepted two buses along the highway.
The incident occurred on Wednesday around the Ogene Zaria area, near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction.
The police confirmed on Friday that 11 abducted passengers had been rescued following a coordinated security operation.
According to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Salisu Oyiza Afusat, the Ofu Divisional Police Officer quickly mobilised a joint security team after receiving a distress call about the attack.
Security operatives reportedly discovered two abandoned vehicles at the scene—a white Hummer bus belonging to Peace Mass Transit and a yellow 18-seater bus.
The discovery prompted security personnel to launch a wider search of the surrounding forest, during which the abducted passengers were located and rescued.
“Most of the rescued victims are NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja,” Afusat said.
She added that the drivers of both vehicles were also among those rescued.
Following their recovery, the victims were debriefed by security personnel and allowed to continue their journey after the necessary procedures were completed.
Security operatives have, however, continued searching the surrounding forest to determine whether additional victims remain in captivity and to track down those responsible for the attack.
The police said security and intelligence resources were being deployed to the area to improve safety for residents and travellers and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The police confirmation came after a woman who identified herself as the sister of one of the abducted corps members appealed for help.
In a video circulated online, she said her sister had travelled to Bayelsa State for the mandatory three-week NYSC orientation programme and was returning to Abuja when the vehicle she was travelling in was attacked.
She appealed to the Federal Government, NYSC authorities and members of the public to assist in securing the safe release of those who may still be in captivity.
The woman also revealed that her family had recently lost their mother, saying the abduction had placed additional emotional and financial pressure on the family.
The latest rescue operation highlights continuing security concerns along some major highways in Kogi State, particularly routes used by travellers moving between the South-South and Abuja.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
