Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted six passengers, including three officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who were traveling from Abuja to Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
The victims — identified as Chinenye Orji, Adamaka Anih, and Catherine Temaugee — were reportedly attacked on Tuesday, October 21, at Aloma, in Kogi State, while traveling in a Sienna minibus operated by Anambra Comfort Line.
According to the driver, who survived the attack, the kidnappers ambushed the vehicle, fired several shots that shattered the windshield, and took control of the highway. He said all passengers, including his wife, were abducted, except himself and an elderly woman who were later released.
“The kidnappers took over the road, shot at the bus, and shattered the windscreen. All of us were taken except an old woman who couldn’t walk properly. They freed her and me after realizing her condition,” the driver recounted in a phone conversation obtained by SaharaReporters.
The elderly woman confirmed the incident, saying it occurred shortly after 3 p.m. “We left Utako motor park at 9 a.m. and stopped briefly at Lokoja to eat. The kidnappers took people into the bush. The driver and I were released, and we later reported to Aloma Police Station,” she said.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the abducted INEC officials were deployed to Anambra to handle the printing of voters’ registers and other materials in preparation for the upcoming governorship election.
“Three INEC staff, all ladies, were kidnapped at Aloma, Kogi State, near the Benue border. They were on official duty to Anambra State when this unfortunate incident happened,” one source said. “The kidnappers took all the passengers, including the driver’s wife.”
The matter has been reported to the police, though the kidnappers have yet to make contact or issue any ransom demands.
The abduction underscores the growing wave of insecurity across Nigeria’s highways, where kidnappers and armed bandits continue to target travelers and commercial transport vehicles.