Gunmen kill soldier, abduct 13 passengers on Okene-Auchi road

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

Suspected kidnappers disguised in military uniforms have killed a serving soldier and abducted 13 passengers in separate attacks on two commercial vehicles along the Okene-Auchi Federal Highway in Kogi State.

The incident reportedly involved a green Toyota Sienna travelling from Abuja to Delta State and a white Toyota Hiace bus conveying passengers from Delta State to Abuja.

According to security sources, the gunmen first intercepted the Sienna, which had nine passengers on board. Six passengers were abducted while three others escaped.

The assailants subsequently stopped the Toyota Hiace bus carrying 11 passengers, abducting seven occupants while four others were rescued.

A serving Non-Commissioned Officer of the Nigerian Army, who was among the passengers, was reportedly shot after identifying himself as a soldier.

He sustained gunshot wounds to his legs and thighs and was later confirmed dead.

Following the attacks, security operatives recovered both vehicles and took them to a nearby police station for safekeeping.

Five empty 7.62mm ammunition shells, suspected to have been fired from an AK-47 rifle, were also recovered from the scene.

The deceased soldier’s remains were deposited at the Okengwe General Hospital mortuary for autopsy, while statements were obtained from some of the rescued victims to aid ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, troops and other security operatives have intensified efforts to rescue the abducted passengers and apprehend the perpetrators.

The rescue operation includes extensive bush-combing and heightened surveillance along the Okene-Auchi corridor.

Authorities have also assured motorists and other road users that security measures are being strengthened along the highway to prevent further attacks.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over the security of the Okene-Auchi corridor, which has witnessed repeated attacks and abductions by suspected criminal elements.