Suspected armed hoodlums have abducted nine passengers along the Itobe–Anyagba Expressway in Kogi state.

Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at about 4:20 p.m. near Ogbabo Junction when the assailants, who emerged from the bush, opened fire and forced a Peace Mass Transit bus to a halt.

According to sources the driver, Mr. Sunday Okechi, and six passengers managed to escape, while nine others were taken into the bush.

Security personnel were swiftly mobilised to the scene, where the bus with registration number ENZ-55 XS and a blue Toyota Carina ‘E’ were found abandoned. Both vehicles have been taken into safe custody.

Security operatives, Vigilante Group of Nigeria members, and local hunters have since commenced a search-and-rescue operation to free the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. (Zagazola)