Gunmen Abduct Nine Passengers on Itobe–Anyagba Expressway in Kogi State

Gunmen have kidnapped nine passengers along the Itobe–Anyagba Expressway in Kogi State.

The incident occurred at about 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, near Ogbabo Junction. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the attackers emerged from the bush, opened fire, and forced a Peace Mass Transit bus to stop.

The driver, Mr. Sunday Okechi, and six passengers managed to escape, but nine others were taken into the bush by the armed men.

Security personnel were quickly mobilised to the scene, where they recovered the abandoned bus, with registration number ENZ-55 XS, and a blue Toyota Carina ‘E’. Both vehicles are now in safe custody.

A joint team comprising security operatives, members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and local hunters has launched a search-and-rescue operation to free the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.

Residents have expressed frustration over what they describe as the increasing frequency of such attacks along the Itobe–Ogbabo road, which links Kogi to the eastern part of Nigeria. They allege that despite repeated reports of kidnapping activities in the area, the state government has yet to take decisive action, despite receiving security votes.