Tension and anxiety have gripped communities in Kogi State following the abduction of three members of a commercial motorcycle riders’ union by suspected bandits along the Ageva–Magongo road on Wednesday.

The victims were identified as Mr Jonathan Stephen Monday, Chairman of the union’s Ogori Branch, alongside Mr Ashemadaun Eben and Mr Mosigbodi Jethro Adoga.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the victims were part of a delegation of union members who had travelled to Lokoja to participate in a solidarity rally held in support of the re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sources said the victims were returning from the event when the bus conveying them was ambushed by heavily armed bandits along the Ageva–Magongo axis, an area that has recently become notorious for insecurity and attacks on commuters.

The incident has sparked fear among residents and commercial motorcycle operators in the affected communities, with many calling on security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to secure the route and ensure the safe release of the abducted victims.

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. (Nigerian Tribune)