Gunmen kidnap corpse of FRSC Deputy Commander, mourners in Kogi; demand N50m ransom

Several mourners accompanying the remains of a deceased Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer to Otukpo, Benue State, for burial have been abducted by suspected kidnappers in Kogi State.

The victims were travelling with the corpse of the late DCC Augustine O. Ikwue, popularly known as “Etume Zero,” when their vehicle was attacked along the Ososo-Ajaokuta axis of Kogi State.

According to citizen journalist and activist Meddy Olotu, the kidnappers intercepted the funeral convoy, abducted the corpse and those escorting the corpse and took them into the bush.

He disclosed that the corpse was later recovered around Ejule in Kogi State after it was abandoned by the kidnappers.

Olotu further said the abductors are demanding ₦50 million for the release of the victims.

Describing the incident as heartbreaking, he lamented the worsening state of insecurity in the country, saying even the dead are no longer allowed to “rest in peace.”

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

He called on security agencies and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted mourners and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The late Augustine O. Ikwue, an FRSC Deputy Corps Commander, was scheduled to be buried AiOde in Upu community in Otukpo, Benue State, on Friday before the tragic incident disrupted the funeral procession.