By Kelvin Ato
Gunmen believed to be bandit terrorists have attacked an 18-seater passenger bus along the Kabba–Okene Road in Kogi State, abducting all 18 passengers on board.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, shortly after the vehicle passed near Kogi State University in Kabba.
The white commercial bus was intercepted by heavily armed attackers who forced the vehicle to a stop before whisking away all occupants to an unknown destination.
It was gathered that the assailants carried out the operation along the highway, a route that has witnessed growing security concerns in recent years.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers led the passengers into a nearby bush while leaving the vehicle behind at the scene.
As of the time of filing this report, the abandoned bus was still reportedly at the location where the attack occurred, while the whereabouts of the victims remained unknown.
The latest incident has created fears among commuters and residents who regularly travel along the Kabba–Okene Road, with many calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the highway and rescue the abducted passengers.
Recently, some gunmen shot and killed a serving officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sunday Idakwo, while he was on duty along the Lokoja-Abuja Expressway.
The slain officer was attached to the Safer Highway Patrol of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command.
According to a security source, the officer was carrying out his official duties when he came under attack from armed robbers operating along the highway.
“This ASP Sunday Idakwo, attached to the Safer Highway Patrol, FCT Command, was killed today while on duty along the Lokoja-Abuja Expressway.
“Armed robbers attacked him,” the source said.
