Gunmen kill 2, abduct many travellers in Kogi, 23 rescued

Gunmen have killed two people and abducted an unspecified number of travellers and residents in Ayegunle Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Residents said the attack occurred in the early hours of Monday when the gunmen invaded the community and blocked the major road passing through the town. According to sources, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately on arrival, causing panic and forcing many residents to flee. “The attack happened around 2.25am. The sound of gunfire woke us up. The gunmen killed two residents and injured several others,” a community source said. The source added that two residents were abducted from their homes, while several passengers travelling in commercial vehicles were kidnapped after running into the gang’s roadblock. Efforts were still ongoing to determine the exact number of abducted persons and other details surrounding the incident. Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, confirmed the attack, saying the criminals blocked the highway linking Ayegunle Bunu to neighbouring communities before abducting several travellers. “Some people were injured during the attack. Our operatives responded promptly after receiving the report, and investigations have commenced,” he said. Police spokesperson in Kogi, Saliu Oyiza Afusat, confirmed that the two victims killed were a pastor who was attacked in his residence and a passenger travelling in a vehicle. Meanwhile, troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on Monday said they rescued 23 kidnapped passengers following a swift counter-kidnapping operation along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Troops stationed within Kabba metropolis responded immediately after receiving a distress call at about 3:30 am and moved to the scene of the attack. Although the kidnappers had fled before the arrival of security personnel, the troops promptly commenced an aggressive pursuit along the suspected escape routes of the criminals. The Army disclosed that two victims lost their lives during the incident, while five others sustained injuries. It added that sustained pressure from the pursuing troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed. The Army said troops have continued to dominate the area and are conducting intensive search-and-rescue operations to locate and safely recover any remaining victims who may still be in captivity.