Terrorists Attack Kogi as Residents, Travellers Flee in Panic
Terror swept through the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin corridor in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State on Saturday, as armed men launched a sudden attack that sent residents and travellers running for safety.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers struck without warning on Saturday afternoon, leaving communities along the route in fear.
The number of people abducted remains unclear, as details of the incident were still sketchy at the time.
Local sources said tension has gripped nearby communities, with many residents staying indoors while travellers are diverting to avoid the troubled road.
Security agencies were said to have been alerted, and operatives were already mobilising to the scene.
The development comes days after 21 passengers, including women and a nine-day-old baby, were rescued on Thursday following coordinated attacks by bandits on major highways in Kogi State.
Two security personnel — a soldier and a vigilante — were confirmed dead during the fierce gun battle that accompanied the rescue effort.
No fewer than 100 bandits had ambushed vehicles travelling in different directions along the busy corridor around 2pm.
Targeted vehicles included a Toyota Sienna (YAB 968 AX) heading from Oshogbo to Kaduna; a Toyota Hiace bus (7BGT-78LG) from Owo to Abuja; another Hiace (GKP 178 XA) going to Ekiti; a Toyota Carina (JMU 648 AA) from Lokoja to Kabba; a Dangote truck carrying 900 bags of cement; and a J5 bus (FTA 313 XV) transporting pepper from Kano to Lagos.
Passengers reportedly fled into nearby bushes as the gunmen attempted to seize the occupants.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama said a joint team of operatives from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Quick Response Unit, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, vigilantes and hunters swiftly moved in and engaged the attackers.
The rescue team successfully secured 21 passengers, including Moses Oladimeji, Adele Jacob, Obed Onche, Babayemi Ajayi, Funmilayo Ajayi, Samuel Olawoyin, Samuel Job, Jemima Joseph, Nanko Joseph, and Enenche Paulina.
Others rescued were Bright Enenche, Rachael Enenche, Deborah Enenche (nine days old), Bukola Clement, Toyin Clement, Glory Clement, Faith Clement, Peter Olawale, and the drivers of the Dangote truck and the J5 bus.
However, the operation recorded casualties.
A soldier attached to the Oshokoshoko sector and a vigilante from Odoape community were fatally hit during the confrontation.
Their identities were yet to be released.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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