Kogi: Police dismiss reports of bandit attack on Kabba–Okene road

The Kogi State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that armed bandits attacked an 18-seater commercial bus and abducted passengers along the Kabba–Okene Road.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the Command clarified that the incident, which occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on June 17, 2026, was not a case of banditry or kidnapping as widely reported.

According to the police, the commercial bus driven by one Ojo, an indigene of Kabba, was travelling to Ibilo and was fully loaded with cocoyams at the time of the incident.

The driver reportedly noticed unusual lights ahead on the road and, while attempting to make a U-turn, observed some individuals moving towards him. Fearing for his safety, he abandoned the vehicle and ran to a nearby military checkpoint along the highway.

The Command stressed that there were no passengers on board the vehicle when the incident occurred, contrary to claims that several persons were abducted.

Further investigations revealed that the situation was non-criminal in nature, as the vehicle developed an electrical fault, which contributed to the circumstances that led to the driver’s actions.

The police explained that the goods in the vehicle were later transferred to another vehicle and successfully conveyed to their destination without any further incident.

The matter was reportedly handled at the military checkpoint, while the police were not formally notified because there was no kidnapping, casualty, or criminal activity involved.

ASP Afusat urged members of the public to disregard the misleading reports, emphasising that the alleged armed bandit attack and abduction of passengers did not occur.

She called on residents and social media users to verify information before sharing it in order to prevent unnecessary panic and misinformation.