Some passengers abducted along the Itobe–Ajegwu–Anyigba road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State have escaped from their captors, even as security operatives intensify a manhunt for the armed gang behind the attack.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday when gunmen ambushed two passenger buses, one of them bearing registration number Ebonyi NKE 737 XA and opened fire, forcing occupants into the bush.
A commercial motorcyclist was also said to have been abducted during the attack.
According to residents, vigilantes and hunters quickly mobilised and trailed the attackers but were unable to locate them in the thick forest.
However, a security source confirmed that a suspect, identified as Monday Agi, was arrested about three hours after the incident.
He allegedly claimed he was only passing through the area from Ekiti State and fled into the bush after hearing gunshots.
Three victims, Michael Adejo, Monday, and Mariam Yakubu later escaped from the kidnappers’ hideout after the gunmen reportedly dozed off.
They said about 10 armed men carried out the operation, wielding AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns.
“The bus I boarded ran into their barricade. They ordered us out at gunpoint and shot at the second bus behind us,” one of the survivors recounted. “They took us deep into the bush, searched everyone, and took our money, phones, and valuables.”
Another escapee, Adaji, said their chance came when the attackers fell asleep. “I noticed they were dozing off, so I started crawling away slowly. When I got some distance, I ran until I reached a village with two others,” he said.
Police authorities in Kogi State were yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report, as efforts to reach the spokesperson were unsuccessful.
