Gunmen have abducted several mourners accompanying the remains of a late Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Augustine O. Ikwue, popularly known as Etume Zero, in a shocking incident along the Ososo–Ajaokuta axis in Kogi State.
The victims were travelling in a funeral convoy conveying the deceased officer’s remains for burial in Ai-Ode, Upu community, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, when the ambush occurred.
According to citizen journalist and activist Meddy Olotu, who first disclosed the incident, the attackers intercepted the convoy, abducted several mourners, and initially made away with the corpse of the deceased officer. The kidnappers later abandoned the corpse around Ejule in Kogi State, where it was recovered.
Olotu revealed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for the release of the kidnapped mourners.
Describing the incident as tragic and disturbing, the activist lamented the worsening state of insecurity across the country. “What kind of country are we living in? Even the dead cannot rest in peace,” he said.
The late Augustine O. Ikwue was scheduled to be laid to rest on Friday in his hometown in Otukpo, Benue State. Security agencies have been called upon to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted persons and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
