The rescued victims
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued nine more kidnapped commuters following an attack on motorists along the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Army authorities confirmed this in a post issued via its verified X handle on Tuesday.
The Army said its troops, stationed at Patrol Base Itobe, were alerted after suspected kidnappers ambushed commuters along the road and forced several passengers into the bush.
When the soldiers arrived at the scene, they found a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna abandoned by the roadside. The passengers who had been travelling in the vehicles were nowhere to be found.
The Army said the troops immediately followed the kidnappers’ trail, pushing through their escape route towards the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.
According to the Army, the pursuit eventually led to a confrontation with the kidnappers. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the soldiers overpowered the attackers, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bush. Some of the kidnappers were believed to have been wounded during the encounter.
Nine victims were rescued, including two elderly men, two elderly women, four other adult males and an infant.
The victims were taken to safety and later handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further action and to facilitate their reunion with their families.
The Army said troops are still combing the area in pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers and searching for other victims who may remain in captivity.
It also urged residents and other road users to continue providing security agencies with useful information, stressing that cooperation from the public remains important in the effort to protect lives and property.
