The Kogi State Police Command has rescued eleven persons kidnapped along the Aloma–Egane road in Ofu Local Government Area on August 26.
In a statement, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said the incident occurred at about 4:40 p.m. when armed men emerged from the bush around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction, and blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions.
“Armed men from the bush around Ogene Zaria blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions and abducted some passengers, while others escaped into the surrounding bush,” the PPRO said.
According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer for Ofu led a joint security team to the scene after a distress call was received, where two abandoned vehicles were recovered. A coordinated bush-combing and rescue operation followed, leading to the rescue of all eleven victims, including the drivers of both buses.
“Preliminary debriefing indicates that most of the rescued victims are NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja,” the statement noted, adding that the victims had since been debriefed and allowed to continue their journey.
In a related development, the Command said it had received a report of an armed attack along the Itobe–Ochadamu Expressway, near Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area, on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
ASP Afusat said the attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. when armed assailants emerged from nearby bush and opened fire on motorists.
“A blue Toyota Corolla, registration number GWA 636 CH, was subsequently found abandoned along the highway, with the driver found dead in the vehicle, while another occupant was taken by the assailants,” she said.
“The Command is working with other security agencies, with personnel currently combing the surrounding forest in a determined effort to locate and rescue the abducted victim and track down those responsible,” the PPRO added.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has directed sustained operational efforts to secure the affected corridor and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Command further urged motorists and residents along the route to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the police or other security agencies.
