Two Killed, 30 Hostages Taken as Terrorists Ambush Commercial Bus in Kogi

Terrorists Kill Two, Abduct 30 Travelers in Shocking Kogi State Ambush

Armed attackers have killed two people and kidnapped 30 others during a violent raid on a commercial transit vehicle passing through Ayegunle Bunu, a community within the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

A state police command representative, Saliu Oyiza, officially confirmed the assault on Monday. According to the spokesperson, the 30 individuals taken hostage comprise 26 men and four women. Oyiza additionally verified that two commuters were fatally shot during the initial ambush by the suspected terrorists.

The mass abduction transpired less than 24 hours after the Kogi State Government implemented an indefinite suspension of the traditional Echane festival in Ebiraland due to volatile security concerns.

In an official communiqué released over the weekend, the State Commissioner for Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, explained that the cultural event was halted following actionable intelligence indicating that festival activities could jeopardize public safety and trigger a breakdown of civic order across the state's central senatorial district.

Fanwo emphasized that Governor Ahmed Ododo mandated the immediate suspension as a proactive measure to safeguard the state, directing law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce the ban. The government further warned that any individuals or groups attempting to host or participate in festival-related gatherings will face severe legal prosecution.