Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly abducted several passengers traveling in an 18-seater commuter bus along the Abuja–Lokoja highway.
According to reports, the attack occurred near Aseni village, a community located between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kogi State, around 9:48 p.m. on Thursday, according to local sources.
Witnesses said the bus was heading south when the gunmen ambushed it shortly after passing Ochonyi village. They allegedly opened fire, deflating the front tires of the vehicle before forcing it to stop.
“The driver slowed down while trying to maneuver through potholes when the gunmen suddenly appeared from the bush and started shooting at the front tires,” said a local resident, identified as Shuaibu.
“They immediately ordered everyone out and led the passengers into the bush at gunpoint,” he added.
A vigilante member, Saidu Adamu, confirmed the incident, saying his group was alerted soon after the attack but could not locate the victims.
“By the time we arrived, the kidnappers had already taken the passengers into the bush. We tried to trace them, but they changed directions several times to avoid detection,” Adamu explained.
He said the police at the Chikara Division were informed and later arrived at the scene to tow the abandoned bus to their station.
A police source, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that a joint team of police officers and vigilantes has since launched a search operation in the surrounding forests to rescue the victims.
The Abuja–Lokoja highway has become notorious for frequent kidnapping attacks, with travelers expressing growing fears over worsening insecurity on the major route linking northern and southern Nigeria.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest abduction, but security patrols have reportedly been intensified in the area.