Fear has gripped residents of Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State after gunmen reportedly killed three passengers and abducted nine others along the Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi federal road.
The victims, mostly traders from Ajobe community in Ojoku District, were returning from the Nkwo Idoko Market in Awo when they reportedly ran into the attackers.
The passengers were travelling in a pickup van when the gunmen allegedly opened fire after some occupants attempted to escape.
A resident, Yakubu Ishyaku, said three people — two men and a woman — were killed in the attack, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
He said the nine abducted passengers were taken to an unknown destination.
Among those kidnapped, according to Ishyaku, was the wife of his late elder brother.
The three deceased victims were buried according to Islamic rites on Friday, he added.
The families of the abducted passengers were subsequently confronted with ransom demands.
Ishyaku said the kidnappers contacted a relative of one of the victims in neighbouring Okaba community and demanded **N20 million for each abducted person**.
The attackers reportedly ended the call and switched off the telephone line before further negotiations could take place.
Since then, the family has been unable to establish contact with the abductors, Ishyaku said.
The attack has also left another family facing a desperate battle for the release of two relatives.
Achenetu Akubo said her sister, Mariam, and her daughter were among those kidnapped.
According to her, the abductors demanded **N40 million** for their release.
But the family is particularly worried about Mariam’s health.
Achenetu said her sister travelled to the market without her medication and could suffer serious health complications if she remains in captivity.
“My sister did not go to the market with her drugs and we fear that her condition will get worse if she is not released on time,” she said.
The latest incident has raised fresh questions about the safety of motorists, traders and other travellers using the Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road.
Residents have also complained about the deteriorated condition of the federal road, which they say has made movement difficult and could expose travellers to greater security risks.
For communities that rely on the route for trade and other economic activities, the reported attack has deepened fears over both mobility and personal safety.
However, the casualty figures, number of abducted persons and ransom demands were based on accounts from residents and relatives of the victims.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from the relevant security agencies on the attack.
The latest incident has nevertheless left affected families waiting anxiously for the return of their loved ones and renewed calls for stronger security along the route.