A highway ambush in Kogi State has reportedly left passengers from three commercial buses in the hands of suspected kidnappers.
The attacks occurred along the Itobe-Achigili-Anyigba highway in Ofu Local Government Area, with the two incidents taking place within roughly two hours on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Local sources said the attacks happened at different points along the same stretch of road.
Two attacks, three buses
The first incident reportedly occurred at about 4pm, when a Hummer bus operated by Peace Mass Transit was intercepted between Ojuwo-Ajengo and Mamerebo settlement.
The bus was reportedly travelling towards Abuja from the eastern part of the country when it encountered a barricade mounted by armed men.
A second attack was reported around 6pm, between Ojodu and Ojuwo-Olijo village.
This time, a Sharon bus and a Sienna commercial vehicle were reportedly caught in the ambush while travelling on an interstate route.
Witnesses said the gunmen forced the occupants of all three vehicles into the surrounding bush.
Phones found near abandoned buses
A local source involved in security efforts said two mobile phones were recovered from the grass near one of the buses and later handed over to security personnel.
The source said the identities and exact number of people taken remained unclear.
“The number of abducted persons from each bus is not clear yet. It will have to be established through the passenger manifests.”
The first bus was identified as a Peace Mass Transit Hummer bearing fleet number 2838. The other two vehicles were reportedly a Sharon and a Sienna, with registration numbers Kogi ERE 138 AE and BB 362 MKA.
Security forces launch rescue operation
Following the reports, a joint security team was said to have been deployed to the area.
The operation reportedly involved personnel from the Nigerian Army, police, local vigilantes and hunters.
Their immediate objectives were to locate the abducted passengers, rescue them and track down the suspected kidnappers.
The exact number of victims and their whereabouts remained unconfirmed at the time of reporting. Further details are expected as security agencies continue their search operation.