The Kogi State Police Command says sixteen victims abducted along the Itobe–Anyigba Highway in Ofu Local Government Area have been rescued after a fierce gun battle with their kidnappers.
The victims were abducted on Sunday while travelling from Abuja to Onitsha, Anambra State, after the Peace Mass Transit bus was intercepted along the highway.
Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Naziru Kankarofi, explained that the operation involved combined security operatives in which several abductors were neutralised while others fled.
He said the rescued victims comprised twelve adults and four children, while a vigilante member was killed and a police officer sustained gunshot injuries in the encounter.
CP Kankarofi urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to protect lives and property.
