Gunmen have abducted 12 passengers travelling along the Okene-Auchi road in Kogi State, police authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The victims, who were commuting from Abuja to Benin City in Edo State, were attacked on the busy highway before being taken into the forest.

Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, said in a statement that the Divisional Police Officer of Okene Division, CSP Nasir Muhammad, immediately led a joint operation with police personnel, the military and local vigilantes to track the kidnappers.

“In the process, eight out of the 12 victims including the driver were rescued while efforts are still underway to rescue the remaining four victims and possible arrest of the perpetrators,” Aya said.

The incident adds to recent concerns about rising cases of abduction for ransom along highways across the country. Security agencies in Kogi have assured residents that operations are ongoing to apprehend the armed men and ensure the safe return of the four victims still in captivity.

Frederick Odimayo

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