Some passengers abducted along the Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State have reportedly escaped from their captors.
The abductors were said to have attacked two buses conveying passengers along the route.
One of the affected buses reportedly bears the registration number Ebonyi NKE 737 XA.
A motorcycle rider was also allegedly abducted alongside the passengers during the attack, which reportedly occurred on Saturday.
A resident, identified as Ahiaba Michael, said security operatives, including vigilantes and local hunters, immediately launched a pursuit of the armed men after the incident, but were unable to apprehend them.
However, a security source disclosed that a suspect identified as Monday Agi was arrested barely three hours after the attack in connection with the incident.
The source said the suspect allegedly lost his way due to pressure mounted by security personnel combing the area.
According to the source, the suspect claimed during interrogation that he was travelling in a trailer from Ekiti before deciding to alight near the scene to continue his journey on foot.
The source added that the suspect claimed he fled into the bush alongside two herders after hearing gunshots in the area.
It was further gathered that the suspect is currently in police custody while security agencies have intensified efforts to track down the armed hoodlums.
Meanwhile, three of the abducted victims, identified as Micheal Adejo, Monday and Mariam Yakubu, reportedly escaped after their abductors slept off in the forest.
The escapees disclosed that the kidnappers, numbering about 10, were armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns.
One of the victims narrated that the bus he boarded ran into a barricade mounted by the gunmen, who immediately ordered passengers out of the vehicle at gunpoint.
He added that another bus approaching from behind was shot at, causing the driver to ram into cashew trees before all passengers from both buses were marched into the bush.
The victim further stated that the abductors later forced the passengers to lie face down while they searched them and collected their money, mobile phones and other valuables.
Another escapee, identified as Adaji, said they managed to escape after noticing that some of the hoodlums guarding them had fallen asleep.
He explained that he began crawling quietly from the spot before eventually getting up to run alongside two other victims until they reached a nearby village safely. Credit TNG
