Attack on Kogi highway kills two, 23 abductees rescued

A coordinated attack by armed men in Kogi State early Monday morning left two people dead and resulted in the abduction of numerous travelers, with military forces later rescuing 23 of the captives. The incident occurred on the Ayegunle-Bunu Road in the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

According to officials and local reports, the attackers barricaded the highway in the early hours, around 2:25 a.m., and opened fire. A state police spokesperson confirmed that two people were killed during the attack. The victims included a pastor at his residence and a passenger in a vehicle. Several others sustained injuries and were evacuated to a hospital in Kabba for treatment.

The gunmen intercepted at least one commercial bus, abducting a large number of passengers. Initial figures from authorities indicated 30 people were kidnapped, comprising 26 men and 4 women. Community sources stated that two local residents were also taken from their homes.

Following a distress call, troops from the Nigerian Army mobilized to the area. The military reported that the assailants fled before security forces arrived but were pursued. Sustained pressure during the pursuit forced the kidnappers to abandon...