Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits, dressed in military camouflage, launched a violent attack on an 18-seater Toyota bus in Aku village, along the Okene–Lokoja Federal Highway in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The attack occurred on Monday afternoon, between 3:00 PM and 3:15 PM, according to a statement released by Ibrahim Omeiza Sani, the Controller-General of the Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS).
The bus, with registration number Benue DAP 325 LG, was ambushed during its journey, resulting in the abduction of three passengers.
Sani confirmed that KSVS operatives from the Osara Command, supported by six local hunters, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a gun duel.
“Although the suspects managed to escape into the forest with three kidnapped passengers, the bus driver and three others were successfully rescued,” he stated.
Tragically, a bystander was hit by a stray bullet during the confrontation and died on the spot.
The vigilante service said it is actively gathering intelligence and working to track down the kidnappers for the safe release of the remaining victims.
Sani praised the bravery of his personnel and the local hunters, acknowledging their swift response under pressure.
He also commended Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his continued support and commitment to state security and applauded Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, for his constant collaboration with the vigilante service.
The Controller-General urged his men to intensify their efforts and ensure that all criminal elements, especially kidnappers, are brought to justice.
He reaffirmed the KSVS’s commitment to working closely with other security agencies to reduce insecurity across the state.
Sani also called on residents to remain vigilant and security conscious, urging the public to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
This attack comes just days after David Akpa, the District Head of Bagaji Odo in Omala LGA, who was kidnapped on September 1, 2025, was confirmed to have regained his freedom.
