***Attack heightens security fears ahead of 2027 election
Tension has gripped parts of Kogi State following the abduction of three female officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by gunmen along the Aloma axis of Ofu Local Government Area.
The victims — Chinenye Orji, Adamaka Anih, and Catherine Temaugee — were reportedly attacked on Tuesday while travelling to Awka, Anambra State, for official assignment ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants opened fire on their vehicle in an attempt to force it to stop. Though the windscreen was shattered by bullets, no one was hit. The gunmen later intercepted the vehicle and herded the passengers into the bush.
It was gathered that six persons were initially taken hostage, including the three INEC officials, the driver’s wife, and two other passengers. The driver and an elderly woman were later released — the woman reportedly due to her frailty.
Recounting the ordeal, one of the freed victims said the attack occurred around 3 p.m., after they departed Utako Motor Park in Abuja earlier that morning.
“We left Utako around 9 a.m., stopped briefly in Lokoja to eat, and continued our journey. The attack happened shortly after Aloma. The driver and I were released, but others were taken deep into the forest,” she narrated.
The abducted INEC staff were reportedly on their way to Anambra for the printing of voters’ registers and other election materials, part of preparations for the forthcoming gubernatorial poll.
As at press time, the Kogi State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while efforts to reach INEC officials for comment were unsuccessful.
The latest abduction has reignited concerns over security on Kogi’s highways and the safety of electoral personnel deployed ahead of critical elections in the country.