On Sunday, August 9, 2026, suspected kidnappers ambushed a commercial bus on the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Victor Anyichie, a passenger on the bus, has recounted the terrifying ordeal of how the kidnappers demanded ransoms of up to ₦100 million before security operatives rescued all 16 victims.
The Kidnapping
Victor Anyichie recounted how everything started after a red Toyota Yaris appeared around their bus. "When he passed the bus, that was when those guys, that Toyota Yaris, now turned and the boys started coming out from the bushes." He said more than six armed men suddenly emerged from the bush, with their leader firing an AK-47 rifle into the air as they launched the attack.
Demanding Ransoms
The kidnappers took the passengers and the vehicle deeper into the forest, where they began assigning ransom amounts to each victim. "They were telling us, you, 100,000. You, 100 million. You, 17 million. You, 15 million. The children, 20 million," Anyichie said. He was ordered to contact his relatives and explain how much they could raise.
The Rescue
Fortunately for the victims, security operatives tracked the kidnappers before any ransom negotiations could be completed. "God came for the rescue. We are rescued swiftly, like no scratch on our bodies," Anyichie said. However, he disclosed that one victim who tried to escape before the rescue was caught by the kidnappers and injured.
Aftermath
The rescue operation followed intelligence reports that the kidnappers had moved the hostages towards Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area. A combined team of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, vigilantes, and local hunters launched an operation and engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle. According to the Army, the pressure forced the kidnappers to flee into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds, abandoning all 16 captives.
Sadly, one local hunter lost his life during the operation, while a police officer sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment. The incident is another reminder of the growing insecurity on some highways across Nigeria, where kidnappers continue to target commuters despite ongoing security operations.
Source: Pulse.ng
