By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Kogi State Police Command has rescued eleven persons kidnapped along the Aloma–Egane road in Ofu Local Government Area on the 26 of August.
A statement by ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, Command Public Relation Officer, says, the incident occurred at about 4.40pm, when armed men from the bush around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction, blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions and abducted some passengers, while others escaped into the surrounding bush.
On receipt of a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, Ofu, led a joint security team to the scene, where two abandoned vehicles were recovered.
A coordinated bush-combing and rescue operation was immediately launched, resulting in the successful rescue of 11 abducted victims, including the drivers of the two buses.
Preliminary debriefing indicates that most of the rescued victims are NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja.
The statement notes that the rescued victims have been debriefed after necessary procedures and allowed to continue their journey.
Similarly, the Command has also received a report of armed attack along the Itobe–Ochadamu Expressway, particularly around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area, on Thursday, 27 August 2026.
The Command’s Public Relation Officer ASP Salihu Oyiza says the incident occurred at about 5.00pm when armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire at 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.
The Command says, it 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.
Naziru Bello Kankarofi, Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, has directed sustained operational efforts towards securing the affected corridor and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The statement further urges motorists and residents along the route to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the Police or other security agencies.
