Police Rescue 11 After NYSC Members Abducted In Kogi

Police in Kogi say 11 people have been rescued after gunmen attacked two buses and abducted passengers along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area.

The rescued victims included the drivers of the two buses, and police said preliminary debriefing showed that most of those rescued were National Youth Service Corps members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja.

The attack happened at about 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria-Onicha-Igo Junction. Reports said armed men came out of the bush, blocked vehicles moving in opposite directions and took some passengers away while others escaped.

The Kogi State Police Command said the Divisional Police Officer in Ofu led a joint security team to the scene after a distress call. A white Peace Mass Transit Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus were found abandoned before the rescue operation began.

The command said the victims were debriefed and allowed to continue their journey after necessary procedures. Security teams were still searching the surrounding forest for any remaining victims and the attackers.

Premium Times had earlier reported that 15 NYSC members were feared abducted while returning from orientation camp in Bayelsa. The later police confirmation verified the rescue of 11 victims and kept the search operation open.

Sources: Punch, Channels Television, Premium Times