Gunmen Kill Soldier, Abduct 13 Passengers on Okene–Auchi Highway
Suspected gunmen on Tuesday evening carried out a deadly ambush along the Okene–Auchi Federal Highway, killing a serving Nigerian Army soldier and abducting 13 passengers from two commercial vehicles, heightening concerns over growing insecurity on major highways in the country.
The attack occurred at about 5:35 p.m. along the busy highway linking Kogi and Edo states, a critical route for travellers commuting between the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria.
According to security sources, the gunmen, who were dressed in military-style camouflage, mounted a roadblock and operated with apparent coordination.
The gunmen reportedly first intercepted a green Toyota Sienna bus travelling from Abuja to Delta State. Of the nine passengers onboard the vehicle, six were forcefully taken away, while three others escaped by running into the surrounding bush.
Moments later, the gunmen stopped a white Toyota Hiace bus heading from Delta State to Abuja. Seven passengers were abducted from the second vehicle, while four others managed to flee the scene, leaving behind personal belongings.
A Non-Commissioned Officer of the Nigerian Army, who was among the travellers, identified himself during the encounter.
Security sources said the gunmen immediately opened fire on him at close range, shooting him in the legs and thighs. He was later confirmed dead from gunshot wounds.
Following the incident, security operatives recovered the two abandoned vehicles and moved them to a nearby police station for further investigation. At the scene of the attack, officers also recovered five empty 7.62mm shells, suspected to have been fired from an AK-47 rifle.
The remains of the slain soldier were deposited at the Okengwe General Hospital mortuary, while the surviving passengers were taken in for questioning to assist security agencies with intelligence gathering.
In response, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the police and other security agencies, has launched joint search-and-rescue operations, including bush combing and increased patrols along the Okene–Auchi axis.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted passengers and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Okene–Auchi Highway has witnessed repeated cases of kidnapping and armed attacks in recent months, prompting renewed calls for stronger security presence and surveillance on major highways Nationwide.
