The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of eight passengers kidnapped after gunmen attacked a commuter bus belonging to Big Joe Ventures Ltd along the Okene–Auchi Road on Friday.
Police spokesperson, SP William Aya, said all 12 occupants of the Toyota Hiace bus, travelling from Abuja to Benin, were abducted during the attack.
However, a joint team of police officers, soldiers, and vigilantes rescued eight victims, including the driver, while efforts continue to free the remaining four.
According to Aya, the Divisional Police Officer of Okene Division, CSP Nasir Muhammad, immediately mobilised personnel in collaboration with the military and local vigilantes to pursue the kidnappers.
“The rescued victims are safe, and search operations are ongoing to secure the release of the others and apprehend the culprits,” he stated.
This incident comes barely two weeks after troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, working with Hybrid Forces and vigilantes, rescued 17 kidnap victims in Kogi, including 13 adults and four children.
