Suspected kidnappers have abducted an unspecified number of passengers traveling in three buses along the Itobe-Achigili-Anyigba highway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The attacks occurred in two separate incidents within a two-hour interval on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at almost the same spot on the highway.
First attack: Peace Mass Transit bus intercepted at 4pm
The first incident involved a Hummer bus belonging to Peace Mass Transit, a popular mass transit company. The attack reportedly happened around 4pm between Ojuwo-Ajengo and Mamerebo settlement, while the bus was heading to Abuja from its park in the eastern region. The bus, with fleet number 2838, was forced to stop after running into a barricade mounted by the gunmen.
Second attack: Two commercial buses ambushed at 6pm
The second attack occurred at about 6pm between Ojodu and Ojuwo-Olijo village, involving a Sharon and a Sienna commercial bus said to be on an inter-state journey. The buses, with registration numbers Kogi: ERE 138 AE and BB 362 MKA, also ran into barricades. Witnesses said all occupants were ferried into the bush after the buses were stopped.
Witness account: Cellphones found, all occupants taken
A source from a local security outfit in the area told journalists that two cellphones were found in the grass around one of the buses, which were later handed over to security operatives. The armed men left with all the occupants of the three buses.
“First, a hummer bus was intercepted around 4pm. It carries the inscription of ‘Peace Mass Transit’, with fleet number ‘2838’. The two other buses, Sharon/Sienna bus with registration number, Kogi: ERE 138 AE and BB 362 MKA, ran into their ambush around 6pm on Sunday,” the source said.
“The number of the abducted persons from each of the three buses is not clear yet, except through the passengers’ manifest,” the source added.
Security forces mobilised for rescue operation
A joint security operation, comprising a detachment of army, policemen, local vigilantes, and hunters, was reported to have been mobilised to the scene of the incident in an attempt to rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend their abductors. As of the time of this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abductions, and the fate of the passengers remains unknown.
