A group of mourners transporting the body of a late Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) official to Otukpo, Benue State, were taken hostage by armed assailants in Kogi State. The party was escorting the remains of Deputy Corps Commander Augustine O. Ikwue, known as Etume Zero, when their vehicle was ambushed on the Ososo-Ajaokuta road.
Activist Meddy Olotu reported that the attackers forced the convoy into the forest, seizing both the mourners and the deceased. While the kidnappers later abandoned the body near Ejule, Kogi State, where it was subsequently recovered, they continue to hold the living captives. The perpetrators have requested a ransom payment of ₦50 million for their safe return.
Olotu expressed deep frustration regarding the incident, noting the deteriorating security situation that currently prevents the deceased from being laid to rest peacefully. He has urged law enforcement to prioritize the rescue mission and capture those responsible. The funeral for the late Ikwue, originally planned for Friday in Upu, Otukpo, remains on hold following this violent disruption.
