KEY POINTS

• Gunmen attacked a commercial bus in kogi and abducted six passengers

• The driver was shot and is in critical condition in hospital

• Residents say insecurity fears are rising as authorities have yet to issue a full statement

Gunmen launched a violent roadside attack on a commercial bus traveling through Kogi State, abducting six passengers and leaving the driver critically injured in what witnesses described as a sudden and terrifying assault.

The incident happened on Friday evening along the Ijowa–Ijagbe axis of Mopamuro Local Government Area. According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen emerged abruptly from nearby bushes and opened fire on the moving vehicle. The attack caused panic among passengers as bullets struck the bus, forcing it to a halt.

Witnesses said the Gunmen acted quickly and appeared coordinated, suggesting prior knowledge of the route and timing of vehicles passing through the area.

Driver badly wounded during assault

During the ambush, the driver was shot and sustained severe injuries. He was rushed to a hospital whose location has not been disclosed for security reasons. Sources say he remains in critical condition and is receiving urgent medical care.

Passengers who survived the shooting described scenes of chaos as some people scrambled for safety while the attackers singled out victims.

An eyewitness confirmed that six passengers, five men and one woman, were forcefully taken away by the gunmen. After carrying out the abduction, the attackers reportedly fled into surrounding bush paths, a tactic commonly used to evade security pursuit in rural areas.

Other passengers managed to escape during the confusion and later alerted residents and local authorities.

As of the time of reporting, security agencies had not released an official statement about the incident or confirmed whether a rescue operation was underway. The lack of immediate official information has increased anxiety among residents and travellers who frequently use the route.