Gunmen Kidnap Passengers on Kogi Highway

By Jonadab | Published by DocuNews Central | May 24, 2026

Several passengers travelling along the Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba road in Kogi State were abducted after armed men attacked two commercial buses on Sunday. The attackers reportedly intercepted the vehicles, forced passengers out, and moved many of them into nearby bushes before local authorities were alerted.

Early reports indicate that a number of the kidnapped passengers later escaped from captivity and returned to nearby communities for help. Their escape has provided fresh details about how the attack unfolded and the route allegedly used by the kidnappers after the abduction.

The incident happened on May 24, 2026, along the Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria, a corridor that has become increasingly associated with highway insecurity in recent years.

What Happened on the Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba Road?

According to eyewitness accounts gathered by DocuNews Central, the gunmen struck in the early part of the day when traffic was active on the highway. The attackers reportedly emerged suddenly, blocked the road, and forced two commercial transport vehicles to stop.

Passengers onboard said the attack happened within minutes. Witnesses reported hearing shouting and seeing armed men surrounding both buses. Many passengers initially believed it was a robbery until the attackers began separating people and forcing them off the road into nearby vegetation.

One of the buses involved in the incident reportedly carried Ebonyi State registration number NKE 737 XA. The second vehicle was also said to be carrying multiple passengers travelling through the same route.

Survivors stated that the gunmen acted quickly and appeared familiar with the terrain. That detail has raised concerns among residents who believe the attackers may have prior knowledge of the area and nearby escape routes.

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Some Victims Managed to Escape

A few of the abducted passengers reportedly escaped shortly after the attack. Sources said the victims found an opportunity while the kidnappers were moving deeper into the surrounding forest.

One local resident who assisted an escaped victim said the survivors appeared exhausted and frightened when they emerged from nearby farmland. According to the resident, the victims immediately requested help and informed community members that others were still being held.

Their escape triggered an urgent response from local security teams and residents. Community vigilante groups were reportedly mobilized while calls were made to security agencies for reinforcement.

Where Did It Happen?

The Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba road serves as an important route connecting communities in Kogi East. It is frequently used by traders, students, transport operators, and residents travelling between local government areas.

However, over time, the road has developed a troubling security reputation. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about isolated stretches of the highway where security presence remains limited, especially in areas bordered by dense vegetation.

Drivers familiar with the route have often described parts of the corridor as vulnerable because of poor road visibility and delayed emergency response times. Sunday’s attack has renewed those concerns.

Who Is Involved?

The victims were ordinary passengers travelling for personal and commercial reasons. Some were reportedly travelling between towns for business activities, while others were said to be visiting family members in neighboring communities.

Families of missing passengers have begun contacting transport operators and local authorities in an effort to confirm the identities of those abducted.

At the time of filing this report, officials had not released a complete list of victims, and the exact number of abducted passengers remained unclear.

Security Forces Launch Rescue Operation

Security personnel were deployed shortly after news of the incident spread. Local sources said police officers, vigilante groups, and other security teams began searching surrounding forests and nearby villages.

Road users were also advised to avoid isolated parts of the route while rescue operations continued.

A security source familiar with the response told reporters that personnel were focusing on intelligence gathering and area surveillance to trace the kidnappers’ movement.

“We are coordinating rescue efforts and following all available leads to secure the safe return of the remaining victims,” the source said.

No official casualty figures were announced immediately after the attack.

Residents Express Growing Fear

Residents living near the affected highway said the attack has deepened fear across communities in the area. Some families reportedly delayed travel plans after hearing the news.

Commercial drivers also expressed concern, saying highway attacks have increased pressure on transport businesses. Several drivers told local reporters that they now avoid early morning and late evening movement on routes considered vulnerable.

Transport operators are expected to meet local leaders to discuss new safety measures for drivers and passengers.

Pattern of Highway Kidnappings in Nigeria

Kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent security challenges. In recent years, armed groups have increasingly targeted highways, schools, and rural communities.

Security analysts say highways are attractive targets because they allow attackers to intercept multiple victims quickly before moving into remote terrain.

Road users in several states have repeatedly reported attacks involving ambushes, forced abductions, and ransom demands.

The Kogi incident reflects a broader national concern about road travel safety and the urgent need for stronger rural security coverage.

Calls for Stronger Security on Major Roads

Following the latest attack, community leaders and residents renewed calls for permanent security checkpoints along the Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba road.

Many residents believe mobile patrol teams alone are no longer sufficient. They are demanding stronger surveillance, faster emergency communication systems, and increased armed patrol visibility.

Some local leaders also urged government authorities to improve intelligence coordination between federal and local security units operating in the region.

Official Reaction

Authorities had not issued a full formal statement immediately after the attack, but security officials confirmed that investigations were ongoing.

Sources close to the operation said officers were interviewing escaped victims to gather critical details that could help locate those still missing.

That process includes collecting descriptions of the attackers, identifying the likely direction of movement, and mapping potential hideouts.

How This Report Was Verified

This report was prepared using information from eyewitness accounts, local residents, transport sources, and preliminary security updates from the affected area.

Multiple details were cross-checked before publication to reduce inaccuracies. Because rescue efforts remain active, some figures may change as authorities release new updates.

According to DocuNews Central, official confirmation on the exact number of victims is still pending.

What Happens Next?

Security teams are expected to continue search operations in the coming hours and days. Families of the missing passengers remain hopeful that more victims will be rescued safely.

Meanwhile, transport unions, residents, and local authorities are expected to review immediate measures aimed at protecting travelers along vulnerable road corridors in Kogi State.

The latest incident has again placed national attention on highway insecurity and the urgent need for stronger road protection systems across Nigeria.

For many residents of Ofu Local Government Area, the hope now is simple: safe rescue of the remaining victims and visible security action that restores public confidence on one of the region’s most important roads.

DocuNews Central will continue monitoring official updates and provide verified developments as they emerge.

Related external source: Daily Trust