Seventeen-year-old Emmanuel Okonkwo, a secondary school student preparing for his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC), has regained his freedom after enduring days of terror in the hands of armed bandits in Kogi State.

Emmanuel was among 15 passengers abducted on Sunday, November 9, 2025, when gunmen attacked an Andyliz Transport Company bus along the Kabba axis. The passengers were forced into the forest, beginning a harrowing ordeal that would test their will to survive.

A Journey Interrupted

“I was just thinking about my exams,” Emmanuel recalled, his voice trembling. “Then suddenly, everything changed. They dragged us into the bush, and I thought I would never see my family again.”

Family sources said the kidnappers placed separate ransom demands on each victim. Tragically, two passengers who became too weak to continue the forced trek were killed on the spot.

“The bandits told us they kill anyone whose ransom is not paid within seven days. That is their rule,” Emmanuel said quietly.

Life in Captivity

The teenager described the grim conditions in the forest. Victims were fed once daily with rice or beans cooked without salt and forced to drink dirty stream water.

“They cocked their guns at me three times,” Emmanuel’s elder brother recounted. “One of them even chased him with a knife. The blade almost cut his hand. We were terrified we would lose him.”

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Families in Desperation

With little hope of a rescue, families turned to negotiations. Security operatives reportedly advised them to raise the ransom, warning that intervention was unlikely.

The abductors initially demanded ₦80 million but later reduced the sum to ₦60 million for all victims. They issued strict conditions: the ransom had to be delivered in six bags, each containing ₦10 million in ₦1,000 notes, using the same company bus that was attacked.

“They insisted only one person should bring the money,” a relative explained. “One of the company’s drivers carried out the delivery. It was the longest night of our lives.”

Throughout the ordeal, the kidnappers moved the victims across several locations, including Obeiba Ihima, Ikowa Road near Transformer in Kabba, Okebuku-Bunu, and land behind NTA Tower, Kabba-Ayetoro Road.

Freedom at Last

After the ransom was paid, Emmanuel and the surviving passengers were released. Families wept with relief as they embraced their loved ones.

“I cannot describe the joy of seeing my son alive,” Emmanuel’s mother said, clutching him tightly. “We prayed day and night. God answered us.”

Renewed Calls for Action

While grateful for Emmanuel’s safe return, families of the victims expressed frustration at the growing insecurity along Kogi highways.

“This is not just about our children,” one father said. “Tomorrow it could be someone else’s. The government must act. We cannot keep living in fear every time we travel.”

For Emmanuel, the nightmare lingers, but his determination remains unbroken. “I still want to write my exams,” he said softly. “I want to move on with my life.”