The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that the body of a deceased Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer, which was taken away during an attack by suspected gunmen, has been recovered.
The deceased, Augustine Ikwue, died in Lokoja, Kogi State, and was being transported to Otukpo in Benue State for burial when the convoy came under attack along the Ochadamu–Ejule Expressway.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Afusat Oyiza, said the attack took place on July 9 after armed men intercepted the vehicle conveying the corpse and abducted several occupants.
“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 said.
Oyiza explained that security operatives responded immediately after receiving information about the attack.
According to her, police personnel, working alongside the military, members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and Community Policing teams, were deployed to the area to begin rescue operations and comb nearby forests in search of the victims.
“The abandoned vehicle and casket were recovered, while the casket was evacuated to Elemona Mortuary, Ejule,” she added.
The police spokesperson said the search for the abducted victims is still ongoing, noting that security operations have been expanded across the affected communities.
“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,” Oyiza said.
The attack has heightened concerns over insecurity along major highways, particularly for travellers moving between Kogi and neighbouring states.