Swift response by police and vigilantes thwarts abduction of passengers from Abuja-bound bus; two victims still missing as manhunt intensifies
Security operatives in Kogi State have successfully rescued eight passengers who were abducted by gunmen along the Okene–Auchi highway. The daring rescue operation followed a violent attack on a commercial bus belonging to Big Joe Ventures Ltd, which was travelling from Abuja to Benin, Edo State.
According to reports shared by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the attack occurred around 3:48 p.m. on Monday when about 15 armed men, dressed in military camouflage, ambushed the Toyota Hiace bus. The vehicle, carrying 11 passengers, was forced to a halt as the gunmen opened fire and herded the travellers into the nearby bush.
During the assault, a female passenger identified as Adesuwat Bright sustained a gunshot wound to her left shoulder. The remaining passengers were whisked away by the kidnappers into the dense forest, sparking panic among motorists and residents in the area.
Upon receiving a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Okene swiftly mobilised his team, which included operatives of the Police Mobile Force and local vigilante groups. The combined team launched an immediate pursuit of the gunmen, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire deep in the forest.
Their swift intervention paid off, as eight of the abducted passengers were rescued unharmed. The injured woman was promptly evacuated to CUSTECH Hospital, Okene, where she is receiving medical attention and is reported to be in stable condition.
Police sources confirmed that while eight victims were safely recovered, two other passengers remain in captivity. Security forces have since intensified search operations, combing the surrounding forests in a coordinated manhunt aimed at rescuing the remaining hostages and apprehending the fleeing suspects.
Authorities in Kogi State have commended the timely collaboration between police personnel and local vigilantes, noting that such synergy was crucial in reducing the threat of kidnapping along major highways. Residents and motorists have also been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
As the search continues, the incident has once again drawn attention to the growing menace of highway abductions in Nigeria, with security experts calling for increased surveillance, better logistics for rural policing, and improved intelligence sharing across states to curb similar attacks.
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