Bandits abduct nine passengers in Kogi
Story by Jessica Mbamah
Bandits have abducted nine passengers at Ogbabo Junction on the Itobe-Anyigba Road, Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi state
The driver of the commercial vehicle conveying the passengers and six others escaped the abduction.
Sources revealed that the incident occurred near Ogbabo Junction at about 4:20 p.m. on Friday.
It was learnt that the bandits stormed the highway as the Hummer bus conveying the passengers approached.
The bus, which belongs to a transport company, was said to be heading for the Eastern part of the country.
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The bandits were said to have started firing shots, forcing the bus to halt.
The driver of the bus, identified as Sunday Okechi, escaped into the bush along with six passengers while the remaining nine passengers were abducted and marched into the surrounding bushes.
Sources added that the scene of the abduction was about 300 metres to a military checkpoint along Ogbabo-Ochadamu Road.
Security personnel were reportedly mobilised to the scene, where the bus with registration number ENZ-55 XS and a blue Toyota Carina ‘E’ were found abandoned.
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The two vehicles have been taken into safe custody.
Security agencies in collaboration with Vigilante Group of Nigeria members and local hunters have since commenced a search-and-rescue operation to track the kidnappers and the victims.
Spokesman for the state police command, SP William Aya confirmed the incident, assuring that security operatives were working towards rescuing the abducted passengers.
“Yes, we are in touch with our men. The Command is making efforts in collaboration with the military, vigilantes and hunters to rescue the victims and arrest the criminals,” he said.
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