Police recover corpse after bandits attack funeral convoy in Kogi

A corpse being transported from Lokoja to Benue State for burial has been recovered by the Kogi State Police Command after suspected bandits attacked a funeral convoy and abducted several occupants along the Ochadamu–Ejule Expressway.

The deceased, identified as Augustine Ikwue, an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), died in Lokoja and was being conveyed to his hometown in Otukpo, Benue State, when armed men intercepted the Hummer bus carrying his remains on July 9, 2026.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Salisu Oyiza, said the deceased was being transported to his hometown when armed men intercepted the vehicle and forced the passengers into the bush.

Security operatives comprising the police, military personnel, members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and Community Policing teams, according to her, immediately launched a coordinated rescue operation after receiving a distress report.

Oyiza explained that the abandoned vehicle and the casket containing the corpse were successfully recovered, adding that the remains had since been deposited at the Elemona Mortuary in Ejule.

She added that the joint security team had intensified bush-combing operations in the Ugbakpedo and Ofejiji forests, while surveillance and patrols had been strengthened along major highways in the area.

Oyiza assured the public that efforts were ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The police urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations.