Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 23 victims abducted by suspected bandits along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State following a daring attack that occurred in the early hours of Monday.
According to military sources, the armed assailants barricaded the highway and abducted an unspecified number of travelers before fleeing into nearby forests.
An operational report from the Army disclosed that troops of the 12 Brigade, stationed in Kabba, responded promptly to a distress call but arrived after the attackers had escaped from the scene.
During a search of the area, soldiers discovered two lifeless bodies, rescued five injured victims, and recovered two Toyota commercial buses as well as a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.
The report stated that the troops immediately launched a pursuit operation along the route taken by the kidnappers. The sustained military pressure forced the criminals to abandon 23 of their captives, who were subsequently rescued by the troops.
The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital in Kabba for treatment, while security operatives continue efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and rescue any remaining victims still in captivity.
The incident has heightened concerns over insecurity along major roads in Kogi State, with residents calling for increased security presence to protect commuters and local communities.
