The Kogi State Police Command has debunked reports alleging that passengers in an 18-seater commercial bus were abducted by suspected bandits along the Kabba–Okene Road, describing the claim as false and misleading.

Initial reports had claimed that suspected terrorists intercepted a white commercial bus near the vicinity of Kogi State University, Kabba, abducted all occupants except the driver, and whisked them into the forest.

However, the police clarified that no such attack or abduction took place.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat Oyiza, the command explained that the vehicle involved was a commercial bus driven by one Ojo, an indigene of Kabba, which was transporting cocoyam to Ibilo.

According to the statement, at about 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the driver noticed unusual lights ahead on the road and attempted to make a U-turn after observing some individuals moving towards his direction.

The statement noted that the driver abandoned the vehicle and ran to a nearby military checkpoint for safety.

It added that there were no passengers on board the bus at the time of the incident, contrary to earlier claims of abduction.

The police therefore calls on residents to disregard the false report and avoid spreading unverified information that could trigger unnecessary fear and anxiety in the state.