A fresh wave of violence erupted on Saturday afternoon along the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin Highway in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, as terrorists launched a sudden attack that left residents and travellers in panic.
Eyewitnesses told Hobnob News that gunmen stormed the highway unexpectedly, forcing commuters to abandon their vehicles and scamper into nearby bushes.
At the time of this report, the exact number of abducted persons remains unclear, as details surrounding the incident are still emerging.
Local communities have been thrown into heightened fear, with many residents staying indoors while travellers divert to alternative routes to avoid the troubled corridor. Security operatives have since been alerted and were said to be mobilising to the scene.
This latest attack comes just days after Hobnob News reported the rescue of 21 passengers — including women and a nine-day-old infant — following coordinated assaults by armed bandits on multiple vehicles across major highways in Kogi State.
During that operation, security personnel from a joint task force responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a fierce exchange. Sadly, a soldier and a vigilante member lost their lives in the confrontation.
According to security analysts, over 100 armed men were involved in the earlier attacks, blocking vehicles travelling in various directions around the ever-busy corridor.
Targets included several commercial buses, private vehicles, and a Dangote truck transporting cement. Passengers reportedly fled into bushes as the attackers attempted mass abductions.
The quick intervention of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, the Quick Response Unit, the NSCDC, local hunters, and vigilantes led to the rescue of the 21 victims.
Although many were saved, authorities confirmed casualties, noting that investigations are ongoing to identify the fallen security personnel.
As of now, security forces are intensifying efforts to contain the renewed threat and restore safety along the affected highway.
