By Muhammad Mamman
Three passengers have been abducted in Kogi State after armed men in military camouflage ambushed an 18-seater Toyota bus along the Okene–Lokoja Federal Highway on Monday.
The incident occurred at Aku village, Adavi Local Government Area, between 3:00 and 3:15 p.m., according to a statement by the Controller-General of the Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS), Ibrahim Omeiza Sani.
He revealed that the attackers, suspected to be Fulani bandits, opened fire on the bus with registration number DAP 325 LG (Benue). In a swift response, operatives of the KSVS Osara Command, supported by six local hunters, engaged the gunmen in a fierce exchange of fire.
“Although the suspects escaped into the forest with three kidnapped passengers, the driver and three others were rescued at the scene. Sadly, a bystander struck by a stray bullet lost his life during the crossfire,” Sani confirmed.
The Vigilante boss added that intelligence operations are ongoing to track the abductors and secure the release of the victims.
Sani praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to security and also commended the State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, for his continued support to the KSVS.
He directed operatives to intensify efforts against all criminal elements across the state and reassured the public of close collaboration with other security agencies to keep insecurity at bay.
“We urge residents to remain security-conscious, vigilant, and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency,” he advised.
The attack comes just days after the District Head of Bagaji Odo in Omala LGA, David Akpa, who was kidnapped on 1 September, regained his freedom.
