A newly married couple, Funmilayo Bamidele and Rev. Abiodun David, were abducted by armed assailants on Saturday evening in Kogi State. The couple was traveling with four other passengers in a vehicle that was intercepted along the Iyemero–Eruku route. The incident was initially reported to have occurred in Kwara State, but it was later confirmed to have taken place in Kogi State. The couple had attended an engagement ceremony in Eruku, Kwara State, and were returning when the abduction occurred.
According to Mr. Dada Sunday, Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti local government chairman in Kwara State, the abduction occurred when the vehicle took an alternative route to drop off the best man and other group members in Iyamoye. The driver had initially planned to travel through the Isanlu Road but decided to take a different route. This decision led to the vehicle being intercepted by armed assailants, who abducted the couple and the other occupants.
The bride, Funmilayo Bamidele, is reportedly from Eruku in Ekiti, Kwara State, where the engagement ceremony was held. The local government has expressed concern over the incident, despite it not occurring within their jurisdiction. Mr. Sunday emphasized that Iyemero, where the abduction took place, is located in Kogi State, not Kwara State, and that reports suggesting otherwise were incorrect.
The whereabouts of the four other passengers who were traveling with the couple remain unclear. Authorities have confirmed that security agencies and relevant authorities are working to locate the victims and secure their safe release. Efforts are being made to gather more information about the incident and the individuals involved.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, was unavailable for comment as of press time, with calls to his office not being answered. The police have not released an official statement on the incident, but it is understood that they are working with other agencies to investigate the abduction.
The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Kogi State, where armed assailants are increasingly carrying out attacks. The abduction of the newlywed couple has sparked widespread worry, with many calling for improved security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Authorities have assured the public that they are doing everything possible to secure the safe release of the abducted couple. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and the public to prevent and respond to such crimes.
Key points
- The abduction occurred in Kogi State, not Kwara State as initially reported.
- The couple was traveling with four other passengers, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
- Authorities are working to locate the victims and secure their safe release.
