The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of five persons and the abduction of several passengers following an attack on a commercial bus along the Oshokoshoko/Agbede Highway near a military checkpoint in the state.
The incident occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Friday when armed assailants reportedly blocked the road and opened fire on vehicles travelling through the area.
An 18-seater Toyota bus with Jigawa State registration number HJA 687 YD, conveying passengers from Abuja to Ilesha, was caught in the ambush and came under heavy gunfire.
Police sources said five victims were found dead at the scene with gunshot injuries.
One passenger, identified as Naziru Aliyu, was rescued with injuries and taken to Fisayo Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Federal Teaching Hospital mortuary in Lokoja.
The Divisional Police Officer in Obajana subsequently deployed joint security teams to the area for assessment and rescue operations.
Follow-up search efforts and intelligence-led operations led to the rescue of 14 additional passengers.
Some of the rescued victims sustained injuries and are receiving medical care.
However, the police said about four passengers remain missing.
Authorities have launched an investigation and intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible.
The command assured residents and motorists of continued security operations to restore safety along the highway and prevent further attacks.
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