Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a shocking and unprecedented act of criminality, suspected gunmen have attacked a funeral convoy along the Ososo-Ajaokuta axis in Kogi State, abducting several mourners who were escorting the remains of a Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for burial, and initially making away with the corpse itself. The victims were travelling with the body of the late Augustine O. Ikwue, popularly known as "Etume Zero," to his hometown in Otukpo, Benue State, when the assailants intercepted their vehicle and launched the attack.
According to citizen journalist and activist Meddy Olotu, the gunmen stopped the funeral convoy, abducted the mourners along with the corpse, and forced them into the bush. In a disturbing twist, the kidnappers later abandoned the body, which was subsequently recovered around Ejule in Kogi State. However, the abducted mourners remain in captivity. Olotu further disclosed that the abductors are demanding ₦50 million as ransom for the release of the victims. He lamented the worsening state of insecurity in the country, asking: "What kind of country are we living in? Even the dead cannot rest in peace."
The late Augustine O. Ikwue, a Deputy Corps Commander with the FRSC, was scheduled to be laid to rest on Friday in AiOde, Upu community, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, before the tragic incident disrupted the funeral procession. Reports indicate that the attack occurred at about 6 p.m. on Thursday along the Ochadamu-Ejule Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident or ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted mourners. The attack has sparked fresh concerns over the growing wave of kidnappings and insecurity on major highways across Nigeria, with many citizens calling for stronger measures to protect travellers and curb the activities of armed criminal groups. The Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC has confirmed the story, adding that nine mourners, including two staff of the commission, were abducted.
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