Some passengers abducted along the Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State have reportedly escaped from their abductors.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the gunmen were said to have attacked two buses conveying passengers on Saturday.
One of the buses reportedly had the registration number Ebonyi NKE 737 XA.
A motorcycle rider was also said to have been abducted alongside the travellers and taken to an unknown destination.
A resident, Ahiaba Michael, who spoke with Daily Trust, said security operatives, including vigilantes and hunters, went after the armed men shortly after the incident but could not immediately rescue the victims.
A security source, however, said on Monday that Agi was arrested about three hours after the attack in connection with the incident.
The source said the suspect allegedly lost his way due to pressure from security operatives.
The source stated, “When interrogated, the suspect claimed to be on board a trailer from Ekiti, but decided to alight around the scene of the incident to continue the journey by trekking to his destination.
“He said when he heard a gunshot, he decided to flee into the bush with two herders whom he claimed he did not know.”
The source added that the suspect was in police custody, while the manhunt for the armed gang had been intensified.
Victims Narrate Escape
Three of the abducted victims, identified as Michael Adejo, Monday and Mariam Yakubu, said they escaped after the kidnappers fell asleep in the forest.
The victims said the gunmen, numbering about 10, were armed with AK-47 and pump-action rifles.
One of the escapees said, “The bus I boarded suddenly ran into their barricade. On stopping, they filed us out, wielding AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns.
“The second bus behind us was shot at and the driver rammed into cashew trees. All of us were taken to the bush thereafter.
“On our way, we were stopped, and asked to lay face down. In the process, they searched our pockets and evacuated everything in it, including, money, our cell phones and other valuables. We are many, all passengers from two Hummer buses.”
Another escapee, identified as Adaji, said they escaped by crawling away after some of the kidnappers fell asleep.
“When I noticed that the hoodlums closer to my position started sleeping, I started crawling gradually.
“After a distance was covered, I got up, and with luck I ran until I reached a village with these two others,” Adaji said