Police Clarify Kidnapping Claim in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command has denied claims that passengers were abducted on the Kabba-Okene Road on June 17, 2026.

Spokesperson Oyiza Salisu released a statement on Friday, describing the allegations as false and misleading and confirming that no kidnapping took place along the route.

The statement explained that around 9 p.m. on June 17, a commercial bus driven by Ojo, a local of Kabba, was heading to Ibilo carrying a load of coco yam when the driver observed unusual lights ahead.

Ojo reportedly tried to make a U‑turn. When he saw people approaching, he abandoned the vehicle and fled to a nearby military checkpoint for safety.

“It is important to state clearly that no passenger was kidnapped or harmed, as there were no passengers on board at the time of the incident,” Salisu said.

According to the statement, preliminary findings indicated that the incident was not criminal. An electrical fault in the vehicle contributed to the situation. The goods were later transferred to another vehicle and delivered to their destination without further incident.

The matter was handled at the military checkpoint and was not formally reported to the police because there was no kidnapping or casualty.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the circulating claims of an armed bandit attack and abduction of passengers are misleading and not accurate,” the statement added.