Armed bandits ambushed a funeral convoy in Kogi State, abducting the corpse of a deceased Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Deputy Corps Commander, Augustine O. Ikwue, alongside several mourners, in a shocking incident that has drawn widespread concern.

 

The attack occurred while family members, friends, and sympathizers were conveying the remains of the late officer for burial. According to reports, the heavily armed assailants intercepted the convoy, forcefully seized the corpse and kidnapped a number of mourners before fleeing into the bush.

 

Sources disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded a huge ransom for the release of the victims, with the amount reportedly rising to as much as ₦450 million.

 

In a major breakthrough, a joint security team comprising military personnel, police operatives, and local vigilantes recovered the corpse of the late FRSC officer on July 10, 2026. However, nine mourners are still being held captive by the abductors.

 

Security agencies have intensified search-and-rescue operations across the affected area, while efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of the remaining victims. Authorities have assured residents that all available resources are being deployed to track down the perpetrators and restore security in the area.

 

The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the growing menace of kidnapping and banditry in parts of Kogi State and other regions of the country, with residents calling for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.

 

As of the time of filing this report, negotiations and rescue efforts were still ongoing, while the families of the abducted mourners continue to await positive developments.