Corpses of abducted Kaduna-based woman and interstate driver found in Kogi forest despite N3.5m ransom payment

The bodies of a Kaduna-based woman, identified as Loveth Zarah Alegbe, and an inter-state driver, Nweke Bartholomew Chukwuma, have been discovered in a forest in Kogi State, days after their families reportedly paid a N3.5million ransom to secure their release.

Sources told SaharaReporters on Friday, January 30, that the victims were abducted by gunmen on January 6, 2026, in separate incidents but were held by the same criminal gang operating across parts of Kogi State. 

Local security operatives discovered their lifeless bodies in the Abocho area of Dekina Local Government Area, deep within a forested stretch known for repeated kidnapping activities.

Loveth Alegbe, described by relatives as a young woman from Kaduna State, was reportedly kidnapped in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State while travelling from Lagos to Abuja. 

 In a related incident, Chukwuma, a commercial driver conveying passengers from Abuja to the eastern part of Nigeria, was also intercepted along his route and taken into captivity by the gunmen. 

Family sources said the kidnappers initially established contact and demanded N3.5million as ransom for the release of the two victims. 

After intense fundraising and negotiations, the families reportedly paid the full amount, hoping the victims would regain their freedom.

However, shortly after receiving the money, the kidnappers allegedly went silent, refusing to answer phone calls or provide information on where the captives were being held. 

Growing fears prompted relatives and local contacts to begin a search, which eventually led to the grim discovery.

Following the discovery, security operatives were alerted.

The Nigeria Police reportedly assisted in evacuating the bodies.

Chukwuma’s remains were subsequently transported to Enugu State for burial arrangements by his family, while Loveth’s body was returned to Kaduna for her final rites.