Police, hunters comb Kogi forest for abducted FRSC officials, mourners

A funeral convoy in Nigeria's Kogi State became the target of a violent kidnapping, with nine mourners, including two Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials, abducted by gunmen. The victims were en route from Osogbo to Otukpo for the burial of a former FRSC Deputy Corps Commander when the ambush occurred on Thursday evening.

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We recovered the corpse on Friday after a search operation and handed it over to the family. He was buried on Saturday in his hometown in Otukpo.

After seizing the nine individuals, the abductors abandoned the deceased officer's body near Ejule community. The FRSC confirmed the recovery of the corpse on Friday, with the burial taking place Saturday. The kidnappers have since contacted the deceased officer's wife via his mobile phone, demanding a staggering N450 million for the release of those in captivity.

Security forces, including police, soldiers, local hunters, and vigilantes, have launched a comprehensive search operation in the forests surrounding the Ochadamu-Ejule axis. The attack has drawn strong condemnation, with Senator Abba Moro calling it inhumane and urging intensified efforts to rescue the captives and apprehend the perpetrators.

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The abductors used the cellphone of the deceased officer and called his wife, demanding a huge sum of money for those in their captivity to regain their freedom.

This incident underscores a disturbing resurgence of kidnapping and banditry in Kogi State. Recent weeks have seen similar attacks, including the abduction of dozens of travelers in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, though some victims were later rescued. In response, the Kogi State Government has implemented new security measures, such as restrictions on motorcycle operations and a ban on night travel, alongside intensified intelligence operations.

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It was disturbing that armed men could ambush a funeral convoy, abduct grieving mourners and later demand ransom for their release.