Kidnapping on Kogi/Abuja Expressway Sparks Urgent Rescue Effort

On February 5, at the Kogi/Abuja expressway, gunmen hijacked multiple transport buses, leaving passengers at the mercy of kidnappers.

The abduction has prompted a swift response from law enforcement, with the Kogi State Police Command deploying tactical teams to rescue the victims.

According to reports from the Commissioner of Police, CP Bethrand Onuoha, a specialized tactical squad comprising the Quick Response Unit, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, and conventional police personnel has been dispatched to the area. Their mission: to comb the bush and ensure the safe rescue of all hostages.

The ordeal unfolded on Sunday as transport buses bound for Abuja were intercepted by armed assailants on the Kogi State axis of the expressway. Local vigilantes, hunters, and the diligent efforts of the police force are being mobilized to locate and liberate the captives.

One distraught individual, whose wife was among those taken, took to social media to plead for assistance. His desperate message outlined the traumatic experience and the demand for a hefty ransom, illustrating the anguish faced by the families of the victims.

“I tried to message you on X and IG, but none went through, so I decided to mail you. Kindly assist in raising awareness about the hijacking of a bus by gunmen at Kogi yesterday. Unfortunately, my wife was in that bus,” the individual shared, encapsulating the gravity of the situation”.

“The bus left Umuahia at 7:30 a.m. and was hijacked in Kogi State. The company said they have contacted security services and are tracking them”.

“The kidnappers called this morning via my wife’s phone and were demanding N15 million. Kindly assist in creating awareness on social media,” the plea continued.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community of road users, instilling fear and apprehension about the safety of travel along the Kogi/Abuja expressway. Concerns abound regarding the vulnerability of commuters to the nefarious activities of kidnappers.

However, amidst the palpable unease, there is a glimmer of hope. Many road users express optimism in security agencies’ swift and coordinated response. The mobilization of resources and workforce signals a determined effort to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

As the search and rescue operation intensifies, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the plight of the abducted passengers.

The resolve to safeguard lives and restore a sense of security along vital transportation routes underscores the collective commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of all citizens.

In the face of adversity, unity, vigilance, and unwavering determination emerge as the pillars of resilience. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the resolve to confront adversity head-on resonates as a beacon of hope in the darkest times.

As the nation awaits news of the successful rescue of the hostages, the echoes of solidarity reverberate, reaffirming the unwavering spirit of resilience in the face of adversity.

This article war created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members