Kogi Attack: Three Killed, Nine Abducted, N20m Ransom Demanded

Fear has gripped residents of Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State following a reported attack by gunmen along the Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi federal road, where three passengers were allegedly killed and nine others abducted.
The victims, mostly traders from Ajobe community in Ojoku District, were returning from Nkwo Idoko Market in Awo when they reportedly encountered the attackers. The passengers were travelling in a pickup van when the gunmen allegedly opened fire after some occupants attempted to escape.
A resident, Yakubu Ishyaku, said three people, comprising two men and a woman, were killed, while several others sustained gunshot injuries. He added that the nine abducted passengers were taken to an unknown destination.
According to Ishyaku, one of those kidnapped was the wife of his late elder brother. He said the three deceased victims were buried according to Islamic rites on Friday.
Following the incident, families of the abducted passengers were reportedly confronted with ransom demands. Ishyaku said the kidnappers contacted a relative of one of the victims in neighbouring Okaba community and demanded N20 million for each abducted person.
He said the attackers later ended the call and switched off the telephone line, preventing further negotiations. Since then, the family has been unable to establish contact with the abductors.
Another family is also said to be battling to secure the release of two relatives. Achenetu Akubo said her sister, Mariam, and her daughter were among those abducted, with the kidnappers demanding N40 million for their release.
Achenetu expressed particular concern over her sister’s health, saying Mariam travelled to the market without her medication and could suffer serious health complications if she remains in captivity.
“My sister did not go to the market with her drugs and we fear that her condition will get worse if she is not released on time,” she said.
The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of motorists, traders and other travellers using the Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road.
Residents have also complained about the deteriorated condition of the federal road, which they said has made movement difficult and could expose travellers to greater security risks.
For communities that depend on the route for trade and other economic activities, the reported attack has heightened fears over mobility and personal safety.
However, the casualty figures, number of abducted persons and ransom demands were based on accounts provided by residents and relatives of the victims.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from the relevant security agencies regarding the attack.
The incident has nevertheless left affected families anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones and renewed calls for stronger security along the route.