Several members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were reportedly abducted after armed men attacked two buses along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday as the corps members were returning from the NYSC orientation camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, a distress call was received following the attack, prompting the immediate deployment of security operatives to the area.
The police spokesperson, Saliu Afusat, said the rescue operation led to the successful recovery of 11 abducted victims, including the drivers of the two buses.
She added that most of those rescued were identified as NYSC members.
Giving details of the attack, the police said armed hoodlums emerged from the bush around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction, at about 4:40 p.m.
The attackers reportedly blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions and abducted some of the passengers, while others fled into the surrounding bush in an attempt to escape.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, Ofu, led a joint security team to the scene,” the statement said.
Two abandoned vehicles, identified as a white Peace Mass Transit Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus, were subsequently recovered from the scene.
Security operatives reportedly continued their search and rescue efforts in the surrounding areas, leading to the recovery of the victims.
The latest incident has again raised concerns over the safety of travellers and corps members using major highways across the country.
Authorities have yet to provide further details on whether any of the attackers were arrested or whether other victims remain in captivity as efforts to track down the perpetrators continue.