The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that a corpse being transported from Lokoja to Benue State for burial was recovered after suspected bandits attacked the funeral convoy and abducted several occupants along the Ochadamu–Ejule Expressway.
The deceased, identified as Augustine Ikwue, an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), died in Lokoja and was being conveyed to his hometown in Otukpo, Benue State, when armed hoodlums intercepted the Hummer bus carrying his remains on July 9, 2026.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Salisu Oyiza, said the attackers forced the passengers into the bush during the attack.
According to her, security operatives comprising the police, military personnel, members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and Community Policing teams swiftly launched a coordinated rescue operation after receiving a distress report.
She disclosed that the abandoned vehicle and the casket containing the corpse were successfully recovered, while the remains have since been deposited at the Elemona Mortuary in Ejule.
Oyiza added that joint security forces have intensified bush-combing operations in the Ugbakpedo and Ofejiji forests, while surveillance and patrols have been strengthened along major highways in the area.
She assured the public that efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
