One person has been confirmed dead and six others injured following an attempted abduction along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko Road in Kogi State, the state police command said on Monday.

According to a statement by police spokesperson, SP William Ovye, the incident occurred on June 23 when suspected kidnappers ambushed three vehicles transporting passengers from northern to southern parts of the country.

The vehicles included a J5 truck en route from Zaria to Ekiti, and two Toyota Hiace buses travelling from Abuja to Lagos.

Ovye said the patrol team attached to Obajana Division responded after hearing gunshots in the area and exchanged fire with the attackers.

“The hoodlums opened fire but were repelled by the operatives, which forced them to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bush,” he noted. All 23 passengers from the vehicles were rescued.

However, Ovye confirmed that six individuals were injured during the attack and that one victim later died while receiving treatment.

In a related development, police operatives from Okene Division arrested four passengers of a Nissan vehicle during a routine stop-and-search operation on June 22.

One of the passengers fled into a nearby forest, prompting a search that led to the recovery of a submachine gun, ammunition, and other personal items, including charms and electronics.

“As part of sustained efforts to rid Kogi State of all forms of crime and criminality, on 22nd June 2025, operatives of the Kogi State Police Command attached to Okene Division, while on routine stop-and-search duty, intercepted a Nissan vehicle (ash colour) with registration number LGT 893 AA, Plateau, heading towards the Auchi axis with five passengers.

“During the search, all passengers were asked to alight from the vehicle. However, one of the passengers took to his heels and was given a hot chase but unfortunately escaped through a nearby thick forest. A search of the fleeing suspect’s bag led to the recovery of the following items:

“One (1) SMG rifle with breach number 5197, one (1) magazine, twenty-eight (28) live ammunition of 5.6mm, one (1) live G3 ammunition, one (1) black T-shirt, three (3) phone chargers, one (1) Oraimo power bank, charms, and one (1) pair of sandals.”

The command is continuing efforts to track down the fleeing suspect.

Separately, two individuals were also arrested in Ayingba on June 21 for possessing a locally made pistol, ammunition, and substances believed to be Indian hemp. They are expected to face charges once investigations are concluded.

Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye assured residents that the command remains committed to maintaining public safety in collaboration with other security agencies.