Kidnappers hijack funeral cortege, abduct mourners accompanying late FRSC Commander to Otukpo for burial

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, to his hometown in Otukpo, Benue State, have been abducted by suspected kidnappers in Kogi State.

The victims were travelling in a funeral convoy conveying the remains of the late FRSC officer for burial in Ai-Ode, Upu community, Otukpo Local Government Area, when gunmen ambushed them along the Ososo–Ajaokuta axis of Kogi State.

The attackers reportedly intercepted the convoy, abducted several mourners and initially made away with the corpse of the deceased officer.

Citizen journalist and activist, Meddy Olotu, who disclosed the incident, said the kidnappers later abandoned the corpse around Ejule in Kogi State, where it was subsequently recovered.

According to him, the abductors are demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for the release of the victims.

Describing the incident as tragic and disturbing, Olotu lamented the worsening state of insecurity in the country.

“What kind of country are we living in? Even the dead cannot rest in peace,” he said.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted mourners and ensure that those behind the attack are arrested and prosecuted.

The late Augustine O. Ikwue, an FRSC Deputy Corps Commander, was scheduled to be laid to rest on Friday in Ai-Ode, Upu community, Otukpo LGA of Benue State, before the funeral procession was violently disrupted by the suspected kidnappers.