Police deny abduction reports in Kogi

The Police command in Kogi has denied social‑media claims that bandits attacked and abducted passengers on an 18‑seater commercial bus traveling the Kabba–Okene Road.

In a statement released on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat said no kidnapping or casualties occurred, as the vehicle was empty at the time of the incident.

She explained that the event was non‑criminal and stemmed from an electrical fault rather than an armed assault.

According to her, around 9:00 p.m. on June 17, a commercial bus driven by Ojo, a native of Kabba, was en route to Ibilo carrying a full load of cocoyam.

“The driver told security personnel that he observed unusual lights ahead and, while attempting to make a U‑turn, noticed individuals moving toward his direction,” she said.

“In response, he abandoned the vehicle and ran to a nearby military checkpoint along the highway for safety,” she added.

The police reported that the goods were later transferred to another vehicle and delivered to their destination without further incident.

The police emphasised that claims of an armed bandit attack and passenger abduction are misleading and inaccurate.

She noted that the matter was handled at the military checkpoint and the police were not formally notified because no kidnapping or casualty situation had taken place.

The police urged the public to disregard the false reports and rely on verified information from security agencies to avoid panic and misinformation.

The post Police debunk abduction reports in Kogi appeared first on Vanguard News.