The Kogi State government has confirmed that 18 passengers abducted from an ABC Transport bus on Sunday, March 16, 2025, are still being held captive by kidnappers. The victims, including the driver, were traveling from the South-East to Abuja when their bus was hijacked by gunmen at Oloma in Ofu Local Government Area, a border town between Kogi and Enugu States.
Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, Security Adviser to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, disclosed that a combined team of security operatives is actively tracking the kidnappers to rescue the victims.
Security Efforts to Rescue Victims
Omodara, in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), expressed confidence that the passengers would be rescued unharmed. He revealed that security heads held two meetings on Wednesday, March 20, to strategize on the rescue operation.
“We are on the trail of the kidnappers, and I am confident that we will rescue the passengers unhurt,” Omodara said. He emphasized the importance of synergy among security agencies, including the Military, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilante groups.
Omodara also called for cooperation from residents, stating that timely and useful information from the public is crucial to the success of security operations. “It is this kind of synergy and cooperation from residents, who provide us with useful information, that helps us to succeed,” he added.
Assurance to Families
The Security Adviser assured the families of the abducted passengers that all efforts are being made to secure their release. “We want Kogi to be a safe haven for all residents and passers-by alike,” he emphasized.
Omodara acknowledged the challenges of completely eradicating crime in the state but reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling criminal activities. “Though we might not be able to completely eradicate crime in the state, we are making efforts to tackle anyone that rears its ugly head,” he said.
Police Response
Efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP William Ovye Aya, for comments on the kidnapping incident were unsuccessful, as his phone was reportedly switched off.
Implications for Security in Kogi State
The abduction of 18 passengers highlights the persistent security challenges in Kogi State, particularly along major highways. The incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures, including increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and community engagement, to prevent such occurrences.
The state government’s response, including the deployment of a combined security team, demonstrates its commitment to addressing insecurity. However, the prolonged captivity of the victims raises concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies and the need for more robust interventions.
Broader Impact on Travel and Economy
The kidnapping has also raised concerns about the safety of interstate travel in Nigeria. The ABC Transport bus, a popular choice for travelers, was targeted on a major route connecting the South-East to the North-Central region. Such incidents can deter travel, disrupt economic activities, and undermine public confidence in the safety of Nigeria’s transportation networks.
Next Steps
As security operatives continue their efforts to rescue the abducted passengers, stakeholders are calling for a comprehensive review of security strategies in Kogi State and other high-risk areas. The involvement of local communities in intelligence gathering and crime prevention is critical to achieving lasting solutions.
The Kogi State government must also address the root causes of insecurity, including unemployment, poverty, and weak law enforcement, to create a safer environment for residents and travelers.
