Gunmen block highway, abduct travelers along Kogi highway

Fear has spread among commuters in Kogi State after police confirmed the abduction of several passengers along the Ayere–Kabba Road.

The incident, which occurred on the night of April 13, 2026, around 8:30 p.m., has raised fresh concerns about the safety of travelers on the route. According to the State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, the victims were on board a Lagos–Abuja commercial bus when the attack happened.

The vehicle, a Toyota Hiace bus, was said to be heading towards Abuja when it was suddenly intercepted by armed men. Witness accounts suggest the attackers flagged down the bus, quickly overpowered the passengers, and led them away to an unknown location.

The incident has left families worried and travelers uneasy, as the Ayere–Kabba Road is a major route connecting key parts of the country. Many residents are now calling for stronger security presence and urgent action to prevent further attacks.

The statement was, however, silence on number of victims involved in the kidnap incident, noting that proper investigation was ongoing to that effect.

He said, a kidnap victim, Adoun Julius (M), 56 years, was successfully rescued, while the vehicle was recovered and taken to the police station for further actions.

According to the police, the attacked Toyota Hiace bus was in the fleet of Chisco Transport Company, with registration number KJA 405 YJ; and was on its way from Lagos to Abuja.

A statement signed by Kogi State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, noted that efforts had been intensified to secure the release of the victims.

“Efforts have been intensified to secure the release of the remaining abducted passengers, with sustained bush-combing and search-and-rescue operations currently ongoing by joint operatives of the Police, the Military, and other sister security agencies.

“So far, seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently assisting ongoing investigations.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), supported by other tactical teams, remains actively engaged in ensuring the safe rescue of the victims and the swift apprehension of perpetrators.”

However, the police command urged
members of the public to remain calm and promptly provide credible information that may assist ongoing operations.

CP Kankarofi assured that all information received will be treated with strict confidence.

The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the state police command to the protection of lives and property, warning criminal elements to desist forthwith, or risk the full weight of the law.

Meanwhile, the command advised families or relatives of the victims to report to the Headquarters of the SCID, Lokoja, particularly the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, to assist in proper identification and ongoing investigations.