Nigeria: Kogi police recover corpse after bandits attack funeral convoy, kidnap passengers

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that suspected bandits attacked a vehicle transporting a corpse for burial, abducting several passengers before fleeing into the bush.

The incident involved the body of Augustine Ikwue, an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who died in Lokoja. His remains were being transported to Otukpo in Benue State for burial when the attack occurred along the Ochadamu–Ejule Expressway on July 9.

Police spokesperson ASP Salisu Oyiza said armed attackers intercepted the Hummer bus carrying the deceased and his relatives, forcing the occupants into the nearby forest.

Following the attack, security operatives, including the police, military, Vigilante Group of Nigeria and community policing personnel, immediately launched a coordinated rescue operation.

During the operation, the abandoned vehicle and the casket containing the deceased’s body were recovered. The corpse has since been taken to the Elemona Mortuary in Ejule for safekeeping.

The police said intensive search operations are still ongoing in the Ugbakpedo and Ofejiji forests, while security patrols have been strengthened along major roads in the area.

Authorities assured the public that efforts are being intensified to rescue the kidnapped victims safely and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.