The Kogi State Police Command says it has received reports of an armed attack along the Itobe–Ochadamu Expressway, particularly around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area, on Thursday, 27 August 2026.
A statement by the Police Spokesperson, Afusat Oyiza Saliu explained that the incident occurred at about 1700hrs when armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and opened sporadic fire at motorists.
“A blue Toyota Corolla, registration number GWA 636 CH, was subsequently found abandoned along the highway.The driver, identified as Hon. Ishaq Yunusa, was found dead in the vehicle, while another occupant was taken into the bush by the assailants” Afusat said.
She noted that the Command working with other security agencies, has intensified operations within the area, with personnel currently combing the surrounding forest in a determined effort to locate and rescue the abducted victim and track down those responsible.
The statement noted that the deceased has been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for autopsy, while the Command is pursuing all available leads in connection with the incident.
It noted that the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi has directed sustained operational efforts towards securing the affected corridor and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Command therefore urged motorists and residents along the route to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the Police or other security agencies.
Similarly, the Command says it is aware of the reported abduction incident along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
According to the statement about 1640hrs, armed hoodlums emerged from the bush around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction, blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions and abducted some passengers, while others escaped into the surrounding bush.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, Ofu, led a joint security team to the scene, where two abandoned vehicles—a Peace Mass Transit white Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus—were recovered.
A coordinated bush-combing and rescue operation was immediately launched. The operation resulted in the successful rescue of 11 abducted victims, including the drivers of the two buses. Preliminary debriefing indicates that most of the rescued victims are NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja” the statement noted.
According to the statement, the rescued victims have been debriefed and, after necessary procedures, were allowed to continue their journey.
It noted that the joint security operation remains ongoing in the surrounding forest with the primary objectives of rescuing the remaining victims, apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
“The Command assures members of the public that every available operational and intelligence resource is being deployed to secure the area and ensure the safe recovery of the remaining victims” The command assured.
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