By Joy Odor, Abuja
Seventeen passengers, including four children and a journalists, narrowly escaped death on Wednesday after troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade stormed a kidnappers’ den in Kogi State and overpowered armed bandits in a fierce gun battle.
The victims, travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja, were ambushed at Opamaru Village along the Obajana–Lokoja Road. The bandits seized the travelers at gunpoint and forced them into the bush before the Army intervened.
Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, confirmed in a statement that soldiers at Patrol Base Apata swiftly mobilized after receiving intelligence, backed by the Brigade’s Quick Response Group, local vigilantes, and hybrid forces.
On arrival at the scene, troops discovered the abandoned bus and tracked the kidnappers’ footprints through thick forest to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area.
“Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the criminals abandoned all 17 kidnapped passengers and fled into the bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” Abdullahi said.
Survivors recounted the terrifying ordeal.
“They blocked our bus with guns and ordered us out. We thought it was the end,” said Mrs. Funmilayo Adebayo, a trader among the rescued. “But suddenly, we heard gunshots from the soldiers and hope returned. They saved our lives.”
Another victim, 16-year-old Ibrahim Musa, who was travelling with his mother, recalled:
“I was so scared when they dragged us into the bush. The soldiers came just in time. I will never forget this.”
All rescued victims were rushed to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilization.
The Nigerian Army reassured the public of its determination to crush banditry in Kogi State and beyond.
“Our troops remain committed to safeguarding lives and property. We urge citizens to continue providing credible information to aid ongoing operations,” the statement added.
