Driver Spots Unusual Lights, Abandons Vehicle on Kabba–Okene Road as Police Dismiss Bandit Attack, Kidnap Claims
The Kogi State Police Command has dismissed reports of a bandit attack and passenger abduction on the Kabba–Okene Road, clarifying that the incident involved a commercial driver who abandoned his vehicle after noticing unusual lights ahead, with no casualties or kidnappings recorded.
The Kogi State Police Command has refuted widespread reports circulating on social media alleging that armed bandits attacked an 18-seater commercial bus and abducted passengers along the Kabba–Okene highway, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The Command said investigations revealed that the incident, which occurred on the night of Thursday, June 18, was not related to criminal activity and did not involve any kidnapping, attack, or loss of life.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the Command explained that the vehicle involved was a commercial bus driven by a Kabba indigene identified simply as Ojo, who was transporting a consignment of cocoyam to Ibilo.
According to the police account, the driver was travelling along the highway at about 9:00 p.m. when he reportedly noticed unusual lights ahead on the road. Alarmed by the situation, he attempted to make a U-turn and subsequently observed some individuals approaching the vehicle.
Fearing for his safety, the driver abandoned the bus and fled to a nearby military checkpoint where he sought refuge and assistance.
The Police Command clarified that contrary to reports circulating online, no passengers were inside the vehicle at the time of the incident, stressing that the bus was carrying only agricultural produce.
Further findings indicated that an electrical fault developed in the vehicle, a factor that contributed to the confusion surrounding the incident and the subsequent speculation that followed.
The Command stated that the cocoyam cargo was later transferred to another vehicle and successfully transported to its intended destination without any further complications.
Police authorities emphasized that there was no record of abduction, attack, injury, or casualty arising from the incident. They added that because the situation was handled at the military checkpoint and did not involve any criminal conduct, the Police were not formally notified at the initial stage.
The statement noted that narratives suggesting that armed bandits intercepted the vehicle and kidnapped passengers were entirely inaccurate and unsupported by available facts.
The Command expressed concern over the spread of unverified security reports capable of generating unnecessary fear among residents and travellers, particularly at a time when security agencies are intensifying efforts to maintain public confidence and safety across the state.
Residents were urged to exercise caution before sharing information on social media and to rely on verified updates from official security channels.
The clarification comes amid heightened public sensitivity to security-related developments across parts of Kogi State and neighbouring areas, with authorities reiterating their commitment to providing timely and accurate information on security matters.
The Police Command reassured members of the public that security agencies remain vigilant and continue to monitor developments across the state to ensure the protection of lives and property.