Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Tuesday abducted six passengers, including three staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), along the Aloma axis of Kogi State.
The victims, identified as Chinenye Orji, Adamaka Anih, and Catherine Temaugee, were said to be on official assignment to Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election when they were attacked.
Sources confirmed to Sahara Reporters that the INEC officials were deployed to print voters’ registers and other sensitive materials for the poll.
The driver of the Sienna minibus conveying the victims narrated how the kidnappers struck.
He said the gunmen opened fire on the vehicle, shattering its windscreen before taking all passengers into the bush.
According to him, he and an elderly woman with mobility challenges were later freed.
The woman, who also confirmed the incident, said, “We were in the same vehicle with them, going to Awka. The driver and myself were released. It happened a little after 3pm. We left the motor park at 9am from Utako. We stayed briefly at Lokoja to eat. We took Anambra Comfort Line. The kidnappers have taken people into custody; later they will contact their families.”
She added that the matter was reported at Aloma Police Station shortly after.
The gunmen reportedly took away six people, including the three INEC staff and the driver’s wife, leaving only the driver and the elderly woman behind.
A source familiar with the development said, “Three INEC staff (all ladies) and others have been kidnapped at Aloma, Kogi State. They boarded a Sienna minibus from Utako this morning on official assignment to Anambra State before this unfortunate issue happened.”
Security sources confirmed that the incident had been reported to the police, though the abductors had yet to make any demands.
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