A funeral procession conveying the remains of a late Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Augustine O. Ikwue, has been attacked by suspected kidnappers along the Ososo–Ajaokuta axis of Kogi State, with several mourners reportedly abducted.
The late officer, popularly known as “Etume Zero,” was being transported to his hometown in Benue State for burial when the armed men ambushed the convoy.
According to reports, the attackers abducted several mourners and initially took away the corpse of the deceased officer into the bush alongside the victims.
Citizen journalist and activist Meddy Olotu disclosed that the kidnappers later abandoned the corpse, which was subsequently recovered near Ejule in Kogi State. However, the abducted mourners remain in captivity.
The kidnappers are reportedly demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for the release of the victims.
Reacting to the incident, Olotu described the attack as a tragic reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
“What kind of country are we living in? Even the dead cannot rest in peace,” he lamented.
He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted mourners and ensure those responsible for the attack are arrested and prosecuted.
The late Deputy Corps Commander Augustine O. Ikwue was scheduled to be laid to rest on Friday in AiOde, Upu community, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State before the attack disrupted the burial arrangements.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
