Police debunk kidnapping report in Kogi

Kindly share this story:

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, describing the claims as false and misleading.

The command’s spokesperson, Oyiza Salisu, clarified the incident in a statement on Friday, saying no kidnapping occurred on the route.

According to her, 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 cocoyam 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.

• Ekiti election will be transparent, credible and inclusive — State REC
• Police arrest man for sharing fake video of bandit attack in Ekiti
• IG directive: Police launch crackdown on unregistered number plates

She added that preliminary findings showed the incident was not criminal in nature, as the vehicle had developed an electrical fault, which contributed to the circumstances.

According to the police, the goods were later transferred to another vehicle and transported to their destination without further incident.

Salisu explained 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,” she added.

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: As a Nigerian living in Nigeria or diaspora, you can now earn about ₦17- ₦25Million when you acquire premium domains for as low as $2500. You get paid in US Dollars. Ideal for Civil/public servants, Entrepreneurs, Accountants, Doctors, IT Experts and many others. Click here to start.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.

UNILAG confirms water contamination in female hostel

Online threats, insults fuel S'Africa's anti-foreigner hate — Analysts

Army repels ISWAP attack in Borno, launches counter-offensive

Bauchi electoral commission fixes August 17 for LG election

US says goodbye to Air Force One as Trump’s Qatari jet awaits takeoff

FULL FIXTURE: Eyes on August 21 as Premier League releases 2026/27 season schedule

‘Nigerian marketers import Dangote fuel via Lome hub’

Fraudsters rake in N134bn from banks, customers – CBN

Bandits’ attacks: Fed Govt raises N500bn emergency security fund

Insecurity: APC knocks opposition, rejects Tinubu resignation call

Flood crisis: NEC slashes prevention fund by 50%, approves N83bn

EFCC probes ‘prophet’ over alleged N70.39m fraud

Ekiti Decides: Police secure election materials across LGs, INEC ready

Fire guts building on Lagos Island