Bandit Attack in Kogi Leaves Passengers Abducted from Five Cars

Bandits ambushed motorists along the Ayere-Kabba highway in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Sunday, killing one person and abducting several passengers.

The attack occurred around 5 p.m., targeting travelers from Lagos to Abuja. Vehicles involved included two buses (MAN 399XA and MAN 425XA), a third bus, and two cars. Survivors reported running into the bush to escape gunfire, with four people, including a woman, sustaining bullet wounds. Injured victims were admitted to the General Hospital in Kabba.

Eyewitness Kolawole Olawoye described the harrowing attack: “The hoodlums opened fire, destroyed our car’s water tank, and we had to flee into the bush. Many passengers were abducted and whisked into the bush.”

The assault comes despite government claims of an 81% reduction in terror-related deaths since 2015, attributed to counter-insurgency operations and collaboration with affected communities. The government noted that over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralized and 124,000 fighters and dependents surrendered in the past year.

Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, vowed to intensify efforts against banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. “We will work with security agencies, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to protect citizens,” he said.

The Department of State Security Services (DSS) had warned of imminent attacks in Kogi and Ondo States, with recent incidents including killings, abductions, and attacks on highways in Ijumu, Kabba/Bunu, Yagba West, and Yagba East.

Security expert Capt. Ahmed (rtd) advised heightened vigilance, warning that roads, communities, and farms are no longer safe. Residents are urged to report suspicious activities to security operatives immediately