Gunmen ambushed the funeral convoy of late FRSC Deputy Corps Commander Augustine O. Ikwue in Kogi State, abducting nine mourners and demanding a huge ransom for their release. The attack occurred along the Ochadamu–Ejule Road in Ofu Local Government Area while the body was being transported from Osogbo, Osun State, to Otukpo, Benue State, for burial.
Attack on funeral convoy leads to multiple abductions
The Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Lawal Fagge, confirmed that nine people, including two FRSC personnel, were abducted during the attack. The deceased officer's remains were later recovered after the attackers abandoned the corpse near Ejule community. Fagge stated: "We recovered the corpse of the officer in Ejule community on Friday after frantic searching and handed it over to the family. He was buried on Saturday in his hometown at Otukpo in Benue."
Kidnappers demand ransom using victim's phone
Fagge further disclosed that the kidnappers used the late officer's mobile phone to contact his wife and demand a ransom for the abducted victims. "The abductors used the cellphone of the deceased officer and called his wife, demanding a huge sum of money for those in their captivity to regain their freedom," he said. While the FRSC commander confirmed a "huge sum of money" was demanded, media reports varied, with some citing ₦50 million and others ₦450 million. No official confirmation of the exact amount has been made.
Security forces mobilised for rescue operation
Following the attack, security operatives including the Nigerian Army, police, local hunters, and vigilantes were mobilised to the area to rescue the abducted mourners and track down the gunmen. Rescue efforts were ongoing as of the latest reports. The incident has sparked outrage, with many Nigerians expressing concern over worsening insecurity on major highways and describing the attack on a funeral procession as a disturbing sign of the growing boldness of criminal groups.
