Police clarify kidnapping claim in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that passengers were kidnapped along the Kabba-Okene Road on June 17, 2026.

The command’s spokesperson, Oyiza Salisu clarified the incident in a statement on Friday, saying no kidnapping occurred on the route, just as it described the claims as false and misleading.

According to the statement, at about 9 p.m. on June 17, a commercial bus driven by Ojo, an indigene of Kabba, was travelling to Ibilo with a load of coco yam when the driver noticed unusual lights ahead.

She said the driver attempted to make a U-turn and, on seeing some individuals approaching, abandoned the vehicle and ran to a nearby military checkpoint for safety.

“It is important to state clearly that no passenger was kidnapped or harmed, as there were no passengers on board at the time of the incident,” Salisu said.

According to the statement, preliminary findings showed the incident was not criminal in nature, as the vehicle had developed an electrical fault, which contributed to the circumstances, adding that, the goods were later transferred to another vehicle and transported to their destination without further incident.

It said that the matter was handled at the military checkpoint and was not formally reported to the police because there was no kidnapping or casualty.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the circulating claims of an armed bandit attack and abduction of passengers are misleading and not accurate,” it added.