Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted passengers from two buses along the Itobe–Anyigba road in Kogi State.
Security forces have launched a search operation to rescue the victims taken into the forest.
Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have abducted several passengers traveling in two Toyota buses along the Itobe–Ajekwu–Anyigba road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The attack reportedly took place around 5 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, between Ojiwo-Ajengo and Mamereboh villages. Witnesses said the gunmen used an intercepted trailer to block the road shortly after a security checkpoint, trapping the two buses that were traveling towards Abuja.
One of the vehicles, identified with registration number KPA 622LG, was said to have departed from a motor park in Ankpa community in Kogi East. According to locals, the attackers emerged from the bush, fired into the air, and forced the drivers and passengers out of their vehicles before leading them away.
A resident of Achigili, identified as Unubi Ademu, said it was difficult to confirm the exact number of passengers taken. “We could only identify one of the buses as coming from Ankpa based on documents and personal items found at the scene,” he said. “Both vehicles were heading to Abuja when they ran into the roadblock set up by the gunmen. All the passengers, including the drivers, were taken into the forest.”
Following the abduction, security operatives, including soldiers, hunters, and vigilante members, reportedly began a search and rescue operation. A witness, who gave his name as Evangelist James, said security teams were seen moving towards the area shortly after the incident.
“We saw men in military uniforms driving through our village towards the scene,” he explained. “I was told that soldiers, hunters, and local vigilantes have entered the bush to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims.”
As of the time of this report, the number of abducted passengers and their condition remain unknown, while security agencies continue operations in the area.
