Some passengers who were abducted along the Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State have managed to escape. The incident occurred when armed men attacked two buses carrying passengers. One of the buses had the registration number Ebonyi NKE 737 XA. A motorcycle rider was also forcefully taken to an unknown destination alongside the travelers. The attack reportedly happened on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Security Response
A resident, Ahiaba Michael, stated that security operatives, including vigilantes and hunters, pursued the armed hoodlums shortly after the incident but were unsuccessful. However, a security source revealed that within three hours of the attack, one Monday Agi was arrested in connection with the incident. The suspect allegedly lost his way due to the mounting pressure from security personnel.
“When interrogated, the suspect claimed to be on board a trailer from Ekiti but decided to alight near the scene of the incident to continue his journey by trekking to his destination,” the resident said. “He said when he heard gunshots, he decided to flee into the bush with two herders whom he claimed he did not know.”
The source added that the suspect is currently in police custody while the manhunt for the other armed hoodlums continues.
Escape from Captivity
Meanwhile, three of the kidnapped victims, who identified themselves as Micheal Adejo, Monday, and Mariam Yakubu, claimed they escaped from their abductors after the kidnappers dozed off in the forest. The escapees noted that the hoodlums, numbering up to 10, operated with AK-47 and pump-action rifles.
“The bus I boarded suddenly ran into their barricade. On stopping, they filed us out, wielding AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns. The second bus behind us was shot at, and the driver rammed into cashew trees. All of us were taken to the bush thereafter,” Adejo recounted.
“On our way, we were stopped and asked to lie face down. In the process, they searched our pockets and evacuated everything, including money, cell phones, and other valuables. We are many, all passengers from two Hummer buses,” he added.
According to Adaji, another escapee, they crawled out of their assailants' cell when the kidnappers retired to a place and fell asleep. “When I noticed that the hoodlums closer to my position started sleeping, I began crawling gradually. After covering some distance, I got up and, with luck, ran until I reached a village with these two others,” said Adaji.
