By Opeyemi Adelakun
Suspected gunmen have abducted several mourners travelling with the remains of a deceased Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer in Kogi State, with the kidnappers reportedly demanding ₦50 million to secure their release.
The victims were said to be escorting the body of the late Deputy Corps Commander, Augustine O. Ikwue, to his hometown in Benue State for burial when the convoy came under attack along the Ososo-Ajaokuta route.
According to information shared by activist and citizen journalist Meddy Olotu, the armed men intercepted the funeral party, forced the occupants into the bush and initially took away the corpse alongside the mourners.
The body of the deceased officer was, however, later recovered after it was reportedly abandoned by the abductors around the Ejule area of Kogi State.
Olotu disclosed that the kidnappers have established contact with the victims’ families and are demanding a ransom of ₦50 million before those in captivity can regain their freedom.
Describing the incident as disturbing, he lamented the worsening insecurity across the country, saying the attack on a funeral procession reflects the growing boldness of criminal groups.
He appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of the abducted mourners while bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.
The late Augustine O. Ikwue, a Deputy Corps Commander with the FRSC, was scheduled to be laid to rest in his hometown in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State before the funeral journey was violently disrupted.
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