The Nigerian Army has confirmed the rescue of 21 passengers abducted along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko road in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, confirmed the development on Saturday while responding to inquiries about the attack.
Suspected bandits reportedly ambushed travellers along the busy highway at around 2:30pm, targeting multiple vehicles. Eyewitnesses said a commercial 18-seater bus and other vehicles ran into a barricade set up by the assailants, who then forcefully abducted passengers into the bush before security operatives arrived.
Lt. Abdullahi stated that the 21 victims were rescued after troops, working with local vigilantes, hunters, and other security operatives, engaged the kidnappers in a “fierce exchange of gunfire.” He added that operations were ongoing to rescue any remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
A relative of one of the abducted passengers, who requested anonymity, said his younger brother had been travelling from Owo in Ondo State to Abuja when his vehicle was attacked just a few kilometres from Obajana. He revealed that the kidnappers later contacted the family, demanding N40 million for his release. “He was coming to Lokoja to inform our mother about my traditional wedding scheduled for next Friday,” he said.
Eyewitnesses reported that several vehicles were targeted, including a Toyota Hiace bus (7BGT-78LG) from Owo to Abuja, a Toyota Sienna (YAB 968 AX) from Oshogbo to Kaduna, a Toyota Carina (JMU 648 AA) from Lokoja to Kabba, and another Toyota Hiace (GKP 178 XA) heading to Ekiti State. Sources confirmed that eight of the rescued passengers were members of two biological families, while two drivers, a truck driver and a bus driver, were also freed. “Two families lost four members each in the incident and all were rescued. Two drivers, a truck driver and a bus driver, were also among those freed,” the source said.
The incident highlights continuing security challenges along Kogi State highways, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts between military forces, local vigilantes, and community stakeholders to ensure the safety of travellers.
