Tension gripped commuters on the Okene–Lokoja federal highway on Saturday after armed men in military camouflage ambushed an 18-seater bus, killing a bystander and abducting three passengers.
The attack, which occurred around 3:00 pm at Aku village in Adavi Local Government Area, saw the assailants open fire on the Toyota bus (Reg. No. Benue DAP 325 LG), forcing it to a halt.
In a swift counterattack, operatives of the Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS) and six local hunters engaged the gunmen in a fierce shootout. While the kidnappers fled into the forest with three captives, the bus driver and three others were rescued.
KSVS Controller-General, Ibrahim Omeiza Sani (Rtd.), confirmed the incident, describing it as “another desperate act of criminals who will not escape justice.” He said the Service has already launched an intelligence-led operation to track the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims.
Sani commended the bravery of his men and the local hunters, praising Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his “unwavering commitment to the security of every corner of Kogi State.” He also hailed the efforts of State Security Adviser, Cdr. Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), for his close collaboration with the Service.
The Vigilante boss urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious movements, assuring that KSVS, in collaboration with other security agencies, will intensify the crackdown on bandits, kidnappers, and other violent groups across the state.
Security analysts say the Okene–Lokoja axis has become a recurring hotspot for highway kidnappings, raising fresh concerns about safety along one of Nigeria’s busiest transit corridors.