The Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS) has confirmed the abduction of three passengers traveling in an 18-seater Toyota bus at Aku village along the Okene/Lokoja Federal Highway in Adavi Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on Monday between 3:00 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
In a statement issued by the Controller-General of KSVS, Ibrahim Omeiza Sani, armed men suspected to be Fulani bandits dressed in military camouflage ambushed the vehicle, a Toyota bus with registration number Benue DAP 325 LG.
According to Sani, operatives of the KSVS Osara Command, supported by six local hunters, swiftly responded and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
“Although the kidnappers managed to escape into the forest with three abducted passengers, the bus driver and three others were successfully rescued,” he said. “Unfortunately, a bystander struck by a stray bullet during the crossfire lost his life.”
The Controller-General noted that intelligence gathering is ongoing to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the victims. He commended the bravery of his men and the hunters who joined the rescue effort.
He also praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his steadfast commitment to security across the state, as well as the State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, for his continuous support to the vigilante service.
Sani directed his personnel to intensify operations against criminal elements and assured the public of the service’s readiness to collaborate with other security agencies to combat insecurity.
He further urged residents to remain vigilant, security-conscious, and to promptly report suspicious activities to the authorities.
