Security Forces Rescue 8 Kidnapped Bus Passengers in Kogi

A joint operation by the police, military, and local vigilantes has rescued eight passengers abducted by bandits along the Okene-Auchi road in Kogi State.

The victims were traveling in a Toyota Hiace commuter bus belonging to Big Joe Ventures Ltd (Edo FUG 13 XY) when armed men intercepted the vehicle on Saturday, September 27, and kidnapped 23 passengers.

Most of the victims were reportedly young lawyers returning to Auchi from Abuja. The abductors later demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for each of the passengers.

Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, SP William Ayah, confirmed the incident, stating that 12 passengers were initially taken by the assailants.

“Subsequently, the DPO Okene Division, CSP Nasir Muhammad, immediately mobilized police personnel in conjunction with the military and vigilantes in pursuit of the kidnappers. In the process, eight victims, including the driver, were rescued,” Ayah said.

He added that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining four victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, also confirmed the rescue in a Sunday statement, assuring that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safe recovery of the other victims.