Tension In Kogi: Kidnappers Seize INEC Staff On Their Way To Anambra

Gunmen have reportedly abducted six passengers, including three officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), along the Aloma axis of Kogi State. According to Ireporter Online, the incident occurred on Tuesday as the victims were travelling to Anambra State for official duties ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

The kidnapped INEC officials, identified as Chinenye Orji, Adamaka Anih, and Catherine Temaugee, were reportedly assigned to print voters’ registers and other sensitive election materials before they were ambushed by the gunmen.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the assailants opened fire on the Sienna vehicle conveying the passengers, shattering its windscreen and forcing the driver to a halt before whisking the victims into the forest. The driver, who narrowly escaped, said he and an elderly woman were later released by the kidnappers.

The elderly woman confirmed the incident, stating that they left Utako motor park in Abuja around 9 a.m. and stopped briefly in Lokoja before proceeding on their journey. “It happened a little after 3 p.m. The kidnappers took away six people, including the INEC staff and the driver’s wife. The driver and I were later released. We have since reported the matter to the police at Aloma,” she said.

Reports indicate that the abductors are yet to contact the victims’ families or make any ransom demands. Security sources confirmed that the case has been reported to law enforcement authorities, who have commenced investigations into the incident.