There was panic along Aloma Road in Kogi State on Tuesday after unidentified gunmen kidnapped a group of female staff from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who were on official duty.
The incident happened as the INEC staff, all women, were travelling from Abuja to Anambra State for an assignment connected to the upcoming governorship election scheduled for the first week of November.
The victims were reportedly ambushed by the gunmen while passing through a section of Aloma Road, a route that has gained notoriety in recent times for criminal activity.
Eyewitness reports indicate that the assailants blocked the highway, opened fire on the vehicle carrying the officials, and shattered its windscreen. Fortunately, none of the passengers were injured by the gunfire.
The gunmen then forcefully took away all the occupants of the vehicle, which included the INEC staff, the bus driver, and his wife. Their whereabouts remain unknown at the time of filing this report.
It was gathered that the officials were on their way to Anambra to carry out tasks related to the production of the voters’ register and other preparatory materials ahead of the state’s governorship election.
As of press time, efforts to get an official response from the Kogi State Police Command have been unsuccessful. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) did not respond to calls or messages concerning the abduction.
This latest abduction adds to the growing concerns over insecurity in Kogi State and across Nigeria. Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in cases of kidnapping, particularly on highways and rural roads.
Insecurity remains one of the major challenges facing Nigeria, with bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs attacking travellers, rural communities, and even security personnel. Kogi, a central state that connects several parts of the country, has seen frequent attacks on motorists and public servants.
The Independent National Electoral Commission is yet to release a formal statement on the matter. However, a source within the Commission confirmed the development, expressing worry about the safety of the abducted staff.
“We are seriously disturbed by this development. These are women on official duty. We are praying for their safe return. We urge the security agencies to act fast,” the source said.
The officials were reportedly heading to Anambra to handle the printing of voters’ registers and other critical documents ahead of the state’s November governorship election.
INEC had earlier announced that preparations for the poll were in full swing, with training, logistics, and material distribution already underway.
This incident may, however, raise fresh concerns about the safety of electoral officers and the general security environment for the conduct of elections in the country.
As Nigerians await more details from both INEC and the police, pressure is mounting on the government to provide urgent and lasting solutions to the rising wave of kidnappings.
Families of the victims are also appealing to the authorities for quick intervention to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
