Gunmen, in a disturbing turn of events, have seized passengers traveling on two buses bound for Abuja in the Inele-Eteke Ogugu, New Road area of Kogi East district.
According to a source briefed on the matter, the incident involved buses operated by GIG and ABC Transport, both en route to the nation’s capital from the eastern region of Nigeria.
The source revealed that the GIG bus commenced its journey from Umuahia in Abia State at 7:30 am on Saturday, bound for Abuja. Following the abduction, GIG has initiated contact with security authorities in a bid to locate and rescue the captives.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command, through its spokesman William Ayah, released a statement on Monday.
Ayah disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the affected area, alongside local vigilantes and hunters, has launched a search operation in the surrounding bush to secure the release of the victims.
Ayah noted that the abducted GIG bus carried 12 passengers, while a Sienna bus belonging to ABC Transport had two occupants.
However, he stated that security operatives managed to rescue the driver of the GIG bus.
In response to the situation, Kogi State Commissioner of Police CP Bethrand Onuoha has mobilized additional tactical units, including a Quick Response Unit, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, and conventional police personnel.
Their mission is to intensify the search efforts in the area and ensure the safe and swift rescue of all victims.
