Kogi Police confirm kidnapping along Ofu/Itobe–Onicha-Igo axis, 11 rescued, 15 still in captivity.

Gunmen have abducted 15 National Youth Service Corps members returning from the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, Bayelsa State.

The attack happened on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 around 4:40 p.m. along the Ofu/Itobe–Onicha-Igo axis in Ofu LGA, Kogi State, not in Bayelsa as earlier claimed on social media.

According to the Kogi State Police Command, the corps members were travelling from the Bayelsa camp to Abuja in two buses when armed hoodlums emerged from the bush around Ogene Zaria, near Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction.

The assailants blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions and abducted some passengers while others escaped into the bush.

The two vehicles recovered at the scene were identified as a white Peace Mass Transit bus and a yellow 18-seater bus marked ‘564’. This matches the photos circulating online of a “KOMICHI 564” yellow Hiace and a Peace Mass Transit bus.

A passenger manifest left behind listed 15 names including Ayodele David, which families used to identify victims. The bus registration on the manifest was EKW 687 XX. 7377

The DPO of Ofu led a joint security team to the scene. A bush-combing operation led to the rescue of 11 victims, including the drivers of the two buses.

However, conflicting reports say the 15 corps members from the Peace Mass Transit bus are still in captivity. One police source told FIJ that only one corps member escaped* after pretending to faint.

Families say kidnappers have started calling relatives. They are demanding N35 million for Ayodele David alone. Other negotiations mentioned include N5 million, N15 million and N2 million for different victims, with account details already sent to parents.

The driver of the Peace Mass bus was left behind with serious injuries and taken to hospital. Witnesses said the attackers spoke a mix of Fulfulde, Hausa and English.

Kogi Police PRO, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, confirmed the incident to ARISE News on Friday. She said security operatives have launched efforts to rescue the remaining abducted corps members and apprehend the perpetrators.

As of Friday, NYSC Director of Information Caroline Embu had not provided substantive confirmation, and attempts to reach the Bayelsa coordinator were unsuccessful.

The victims are members of 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II who had just concluded orientation.

SOURCE: ARISE News, FIJ, Premium Times, Stone Reporters.