October 21, 2025
By Legal Linkz Newsroom | Abuja, Nigeria
In a shocking development that has heightened concerns over election security, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted at least six passengers, including three staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), along the Aloma axis in Kogi State, on their way to Anambra State for official election duties.
The incident reportedly occurred around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, when the victims, travelling in a Sienna minibus belonging to Anambra Comfort Line Transport Company, were ambushed by heavily armed men while en route from Utako Motor Park, Abuja, to Awka, the Anambra State capital.
Victims Identified
Sources confirmed that the abducted INEC officials are:
- Mrs. Chinenye Orji
- Mrs. Adamaka Anih
- Mrs. Catherine Temaugee
The three women, all INEC staff, were reportedly deployed to Anambra to undertake critical pre-election assignments, including the printing of voters’ registers and preparation of sensitive election materials ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election.
In addition to the three INEC officials, the driver’s wife and two other passengers were also kidnapped during the attack.
Eyewitness Account: “They Took Over The Highway”
According to a recorded telephone conversation obtained by SaharaReporters, the driver of the vehicle recounted the terrifying ordeal, explaining that the gunmen suddenly emerged from the bush, opened fire on their vehicle, and shattered its windshield.
“The kidnappers took over the highway, shot at the bus, and shattered the windscreen. All the occupants of the bus were taken away, including my wife. Only an elderly woman and I were spared because she couldn’t walk properly,” the driver said.
The driver explained that the kidnappers later freed him and the elderly woman after realising her limited mobility, leaving them to drive back to safety. Both victims later reported the incident to the Aloma Police Station in Kogi State.
The elderly woman, visibly shaken, also confirmed the account, stating:
“We were in the same vehicle with them, going to Awka. The driver and I were released. It happened a little after 3 p.m. We left the motor park at 9 a.m. from Utako. We stayed briefly at Lokoja to eat. Then we were attacked at Aloma. The kidnappers have taken the others into the bush. We went to the Aloma Police Station to report the incident.”
Details of the Ambush
Eyewitnesses and community sources described the ambush as well-coordinated, noting that the attackers blocked a section of the highway with felled trees and opened fire indiscriminately at oncoming vehicles.
The victims’ Sienna minibus reportedly came under direct gunfire, but the bullets did not hit any passengers. After forcing the bus to stop, the attackers ordered everyone out at gunpoint and marched them into the surrounding forest.
The Aloma–Otukpa road, where the abduction occurred, has long been considered a high-risk corridor for kidnappings, with several previous reports of abductions targeting travellers between Kogi, Benue, and Anambra States.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Police authorities in Kogi State confirmed receipt of the report but said that no contact has yet been established with the kidnappers. A senior police source who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that operatives from the Kogi State Command and local vigilantes had begun a manhunt in the dense forest areas surrounding Aloma.
“We are aware of the incident and have launched an operation in collaboration with neighbouring commands and local hunters. Our priority is the safe rescue of the abducted INEC officials and others,” the police source said.
INEC sources in Abuja also confirmed the development, expressing deep concern over the security of their staff deployed for pre-election assignments.
“Three INEC staff (all ladies) and others have been kidnapped at Aloma, Kogi State. They were on official duty to Anambra State for the forthcoming governorship election before this unfortunate incident,” the source told SaharaReporters.
As of press time, no ransom demand has been made, and search and rescue operations were still ongoing.
Election Security Concerns Intensify
The abduction has raised fresh fears about the safety of electoral officials and materials ahead of the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
Election observers and civil society groups have repeatedly warned about the deteriorating security situation across Nigeria, especially in North-Central and South-East corridors, where armed groups and bandits frequently target public servants, travellers, and election officials.
Analysts say the incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced inter-agency security coordination and proactive measures by security agencies to safeguard electoral logistics and personnel ahead of the crucial off-cycle election.
Worsening Highway Insecurity
Nigeria’s major highways have increasingly become unsafe, with kidnappings, armed robberies, and killings reported almost weekly across several states. The Lokoja–Enugu highway, in particular, has become a hotspot for such attacks, despite periodic police and military patrols.
The Aloma–Ankpa–Otukpa axis, where Tuesday’s abduction occurred, is one of the most notorious black spots in Kogi State, linking travellers to both the South-East and North-Central regions.
Observers warn that unless the trend is swiftly addressed, incidents like this could significantly disrupt election preparations and undermine confidence in the safety of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Summary
- Incident Date: October 21, 2025
- Location: Aloma, Kogi State (near Benue border)
- Victims: Six abducted (including three female INEC staff)
- Purpose of Trip: Deployment to Anambra for November 8 governorship election
- Current Status: Police investigating; search and rescue underway
- Perpetrators: Suspected armed kidnappers
- Freed Victims: The driver and an elderly woman
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