By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

LOKOJA — The Kogi State Police Command has rescued 15 victims abducted along the Itobe–Anyigba highway in Ofu Local Government Area of the state following a fierce gun battle with their abductors.

The victims, comprising 12 adults and three children, including two personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, were rescued during a coordinated security operation on Sunday.

The incident occurred at about 4pm on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when a Peace Mass Transit bus was intercepted between Ojuwo Ajengo and Mamerebo, an identified kidnapping flashpoint along the Itobe–Achigili axis of the highway.

The abductors reportedly took the occupants of the bus into the surrounding forest before security operatives mobilised to the area.