The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a corpse by suspected bandits.
Our correspondent gathered that the corpse was that of a Federal Road Safety Corp official, Augustine Ikwue, who died in Lokoja, and was being conveyed to Otukpo, Benue State for burial..
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Salisu Oyiza, while responding to our correspondent’s enquiry, confirmed that the corpse abduction occurred, adding that the police is on top of the situation as the corpse has been recovered and deposited at the Elemona mortuary, Ejule.
“The Command confirms that an abduction incident occurred on 9 July 2026 along the Ochadamu–Ejule Expressway when armed hoodlums attacked a Hummer bus conveying a corpse from Lokoja towards the eastern part of the country and abducted the occupants into the bush,” she wrote while responding to Arewa PUNCH enquiries.
According to her, upon receipt of the report, Police operatives, in collaboration with the military, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and Community Policing members, swiftly mobilised to the scene and commenced bush-combing and rescue operations.
“The abandoned vehicle and casket were recovered, while the casket was evacuated to Elemona Mortuary, Ejule,” the PPRO further disclosed.
She noted that “as of today, the joint security operation has been intensified, with operatives continuing bush-combing operations in the Ugbakpedo and Ofejiji forests, while surveillance and patrols have also been reinforced along major highways in the area.
“Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. We will provide further updates as more information becomes available,” Afusat assured the public.