The Kogi State Police Command, on Friday said it has rescued 11 victims abducted along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of the state, while security operatives have intensified efforts to rescue another victim abducted in a separate attack on the Itobe–Ochadamu Expressway.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the Aloma–Egane incident occurred at about 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, when armed hoodlums emerged from the bush around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction.

Accornding to the state command, the assailants reportedly blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions and abducted some of the passengers, while others fled into the surrounding bush.

Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in Ofu led a joint security team to the scene, where two abandoned vehicles, a Peace Mass Transit white Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus were recovered.

The command said a coordinated bush-combing and rescue operation was immediately launched, resulting in the rescue of 11 victims, including the drivers of the two buses.

Preliminary debriefing of the rescued victims indicated that most of them were members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja.

The victims were debriefed and, after necessary procedures, were allowed to continue their journey.

However, barely 24 hours later, another attack was reported along the Itobe–Ochadamu Expressway, particularly around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area.

The incident, which occurred at about 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, involved armed assailants who reportedly emerged from the surrounding bush and opened sporadic fire at motorists.

A blue Toyota Corolla, with registration number GWA 636 CH, was subsequently found abandoned along the highway.

The driver, identified as Hon. Ishaq Yunusa, was found dead inside the vehicle, while another occupant was reportedly abducted and taken into the bush by the attackers.

The Police Command said the deceased had been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for autopsy, while security operatives continued to comb the surrounding forest in an effort to locate and rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, PSC, mni, has directed sustained operations to secure the affected corridors and bring those responsible for the attacks to justice.

The command said all available operational and intelligence resources were being deployed to secure the area and facilitate the safe recovery of the remaining victim.

It also urged motorists and residents along the affected routes to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the police and other security agencies.

The command assured members of the public that further updates would be provided as developments unfold.

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