LOKOJA, Kogi State — Nine travelers were abducted last Saturday on the Kabba-Lokoja Road in Kogi State. Among the victims are two women, four men, and two female students, all of whom were en route from Kabba to Lokoja for a church convention.
The ordeal unfolded around 4:30 p.m. when the passengers, all members of the Jehovah Witness community, were halted and forcibly taken into the bush by unknown assailants.
According to Mr. Elupo Eliazer, whose wife is among the kidnapped, the travelers had departed from the Kingdom Hall in Kabba and were heading to the convention in Lokoja.
Narrating the heart-wrenching sequence of events, Mr. Eliazer, who himself is a Person With Disability, revealed that he had opted to travel in a separate vehicle due to space constraints in the Toyota bus.
He expressed profound regret that he was not with his wife during the abduction, as the vehicle he was in arrived at the scene after the perpetrators had already seized the occupants of the bus.
The kidnappers wasted no time in making contact with the families of the victims, presenting their demands. Initially, they demanded a staggering sum of N30 million, but negotiations eventually led to a reduced ransom of N2.6 million.
Despite the immense pressure and anguish, the families have been instructed by the kidnappers not to involve law enforcement authorities.
The situation has plunged the community into a state of fear and apprehension, with residents expressing grave concerns over the escalating insecurity along the Kabba-Lokoja Road.
Many are questioning the adequacy of security measures in the area and calling for immediate action to address the rampant criminal activities plaguing the region.
When reached for comment, the Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, assured that the authorities are actively investigating the matter and pledged to provide further updates as soon as possible.
However, residents remain anxious, demanding concrete steps to ensure the safe return of the abducted travelers and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This brazen act of violence serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by insecurity in parts of Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for concerted efforts to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.
As families anxiously await the safe return of their loved ones, the authorities must prioritize the swift and decisive action necessary to apprehend the perpetrators and restore a sense of security to the affected communities.
In the face of adversity, the resilience and solidarity of the community are evident, as neighbors come together to support the affected families and advocate for lasting solutions to the scourge of kidnapping and violence.
It is a time for unity, determination, and unwavering resolve in the pursuit of justice and peace.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
