Troops rescue 17 kidnapped passengers on Kogi highway

Soldiers from the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, working with local vigilantes and other forces, have reportedly rescued 17 passengers who were kidnapped along the Obajana-Lokoja highway in Kogi State.  The victims, consisting of 13 adults and four children, were traveling from Osun State to Abuja when their bus was hijacked on Wednesday evening. According to […]

Soldiers from the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, working with local vigilantes and other forces, have reportedly rescued 17 passengers who were kidnapped along the Obajana-Lokoja highway in Kogi State. 

The victims, consisting of 13 adults and four children, were traveling from Osun State to Abuja when their bus was hijacked on Wednesday evening.

According to a witness, the criminals flagged down the 17-seater bus at a village between Obajana and Lokoja around 5 pmon Wednesday and forced all the passengers into the bush.

Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, said a quick response group was immediately sent to the scene. 

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The troops found the empty bus abandoned on the roadside and followed the kidnappers’ footprints to Wuro village in the Adavi Local Government Area.

He said upon encountering the criminals, the troops’ superior firepower forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee with gunshot injuries. 

He said the rescued passengers were then taken to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid.

The state government has since commended the swift response of the security agencies and local hunters. 

Kingsley Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, confirmed that the victims were freed due to the prompt intervention and pursuit of the abductors.

 He added that the rescued victims have been taken to a medical facility for examination and care.