Unprecedented Kidnapping Horror: Bandits Abduct Corpse AND Mourners in Kogi, Demand N450M

In a disturbing incident, suspected kidnappers abducted the remains of a late FRSC Deputy Corps Commander and several mourners in Kogi State. A N450 million ransom has been demanded, while security forces intensify efforts to rescue the victims. The corpse was later recovered and buried.

Pelumi Ilesanmi • Local • 10 hours ago • 2 minute read •

Key Points

• Armed men abducted nine mourners, including two FRSC operatives, in Kogi State.

• The kidnappers initially took the corpse of a deceased FRSC officer, but later abandoned and it was recovered.

• The assailants are demanding a N450 million ransom for the release of the kidnapped victims.

Unprecedented Kidnapping Horror: Bandits Abduct Corpse AND Mourners in Kogi, Demand N450M

Armed men, suspected to be kidnappers, have reportedly abducted the remains of a late Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Augustine O. Ikwue, along with mourners accompanying him to his hometown in Otukpo, Benue State. The incident occurred on Thursday around 6 pm, when the vehicle conveying the corpse ran into an ambush along the Ochadamu-Ejule road in the Ofu local government area of Kogi State.

The FRSC officer had reportedly died in Osogbo, Osun State, after a brief illness. Following the abduction, the assailants have reportedly contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N450 million for the victims' release.

Lawal Fagge, the Kogi State sector Commander of FRSC, confirmed the incident, stating that nine mourners, including two operatives of the commission, were abducted in the attack. He further clarified that the corpse was later abandoned around the Ejule community and subsequently recovered. Fagge confirmed that the deceased officer was buried on Saturday in his hometown in Otukpo, Benue State, after the corpse was handed over to the family. Efforts are currently underway to rescue the kidnap victims.

According to Fagge, the abductors utilized the cellphone of the deceased officer to contact his wife and demand the substantial ransom. Security operatives, comprising the Army, police, hunters, and vigilantes, have been mobilized to the area to rescue the kidnap victims and apprehend the assailants. The incident has sparked widespread concern, with many lamenting the bandits' apparent disrespect for the dead.