Tragedy struck along the Ososo-Ajaokuta axis of Kogi State when suspected kidnappers ambushed a funeral convoy conveying the remains of a senior officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to Benue State for burial, abducting several mourners and reportedly demanding N50 million ransom for their release.
The victims were travelling with the corpse of Deputy Corps Commander Augustine O. Ikwue, popularly known as “Etume Zero,” when the gunmen attacked the convoy and forced the occupants into the bush. Blueprint reports
The late FRSC officer was scheduled to be buried in Ai-Ode, Upu community, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, on Friday before the tragic incident disrupted the funeral arrangements.
Funeral journey turns tragic
According to reports, the deceased officer’s family members, friends and associates were escorting his remains from Kogi State to his hometown in Benue for final interment when the convoy came under attack.
The assailants reportedly intercepted the vehicle and abducted several mourners alongside the corpse.
The incident has since generated outrage and renewed concerns over the worsening security situation on major highways across the country.
Citizen journalist and activist, Meddy Olotu, who disclosed the incident, described it as one of the most disturbing cases of insecurity in recent times.
According to him, the kidnappers later abandoned the corpse in the bush, while the mourners were taken away to an unknown destination.
Corpse recovered, mourners remain in captivity
Reports indicated that the remains of the late Deputy Corps Commander were later recovered around Ejule in Kogi State.
However, the abducted mourners were still being held captive as of the time of filing this report.
Sources familiar with the incident said the kidnappers had established contact with relatives of the victims and were demanding a ransom of N50 million for their release.
The demand has reportedly thrown the affected families into fresh anguish as they struggle to secure the freedom of their loved ones.
The identities and number of the abducted persons could not be immediately ascertained.
Outrage over rising insecurity
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians expressing shock that a funeral procession could become the target of kidnappers.
Reacting to the development, Olotu lamented the deteriorating security situation in the country, saying even the dead are no longer allowed to “rest in peace.”
“What kind of country are we living in? Even the dead cannot rest in peace,” he said.
The latest incident has once again brought to the fore the increasing activities of kidnappers on highways linking different parts of the country.
In recent years, several travellers have been abducted on major roads, forcing many Nigerians to avoid long-distance journeys, particularly at night.
Renewed calls for stronger security
Security experts and community leaders have called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle the menace of kidnapping and restore confidence among road users.
Analysts say the attack on a funeral convoy underscores the audacity of criminal groups and the urgent need for improved surveillance and intelligence gathering on highways.
The latest abduction has also reignited concerns over the safety of commuters and the effectiveness of measures put in place to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Stakeholders have urged the authorities to act swiftly to secure the release of the abducted mourners and ensure that those responsible for the attack are apprehended and prosecuted.
Community thrown into mourning
The tragedy has cast a dark shadow over the people of Upu community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, who had gathered to pay their final respects to the late FRSC officer.
Rather than a solemn burial ceremony, the community has been plunged into uncertainty and grief over the fate of the abducted mourners.
Family members and associates of the deceased are said to be anxiously awaiting positive news regarding the release of the victims.
As of press time, there was no official statement from the police or other security agencies on the incident.
The attack, however, adds to the growing list of kidnapping cases across the country and further highlights the urgent need for decisive action to address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
For the family of the late Deputy Corps Commander Augustine O. Ikwue, what was meant to be a final journey to honour a departed loved one has turned into a painful ordeal marked by fear, grief and uncertainty.