By STEPHEN ADELEYE

The Police command in Kogi has debunked reports on social media, alleging that bandits attacked and abducted passengers on an 18-seater commercial bus, along the Kabba–Okene Road.

In a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said that no kidnapping or casualty occurred, as the vehicle had no passengers on board at the time of the incident.

She said the situation was non-criminal and was linked to an electrical fault, not an armed attack.

According to her, at about 9:00pm on June 17, a commercial bus driven by one Ojo, an indigene of Kabba, was en route Ibilo, fully loaded with cocoyam.

“The driver told security personnel that he observed unusual lights ahead and, while attempting to make a U-turn, noticed individuals moving toward his direction.

“In response, he abandoned the vehicle and ran to a nearby military checkpoint along the highway for safety,” she said.

The police stated that the goods were later transferred to another vehicle and conveyed to their destination without further incident.

The police emphasised that for the avoidance of doubt, claims of an armed bandit attack and abduction of passengers are misleading and not accurate.

She explained that the matter was managed at the military checkpoint and the police were not formally informed because no kidnapping or casualty situation occurred.

The police urged the public to disregard the false reports and rely on verified information from security agencies to avoid panic and misinformation. (NAN)

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