On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, three female Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff members—Chinenye Orji, Adamaka Anih, and Catherine Temaugee were abducted by unknown gunmen while traveling through Aloma community in Kogi State. The staff were on official assignment en route to Anambra State for pre-election preparations ahead of the November 8th, 2025 governorship election.
The victims boarded a Sienna minibus from Utako, Abuja, early Tuesday morning alongside other passengers, including the wife of the driver. The kidnappers ambushed the vehicle at around 3 p.m. along the Aloma highway, which lies close to the Benue border. The assailants fired gunshots that shattered the bus’s windscreen but fortunately did not harm any passengers.
The kidnappers took control of all passengers inside the bus, forcibly marching them into the forest. An elderly woman with mobility challenges and the driver were released to seek help.
The whereabouts of the abducted persons remain unknown as security agencies have yet to comment publicly on the incident. Aloma, lying in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi, has witnessed a rise in security breaches in recent months, particularly along the notorious Ajaokuta–Otukpo highway, a frequent target for kidnappings. Law enforcement authorities are investigating the matter while no ransom demands have been made publicly.
This alarming abduction underscores the growing insecurity along Nigerian highways and raises concerns over safeguarding electoral officials engaged in crucial democratic processes.
