Travellers along the Osokoko–Obajana axis of Kogi State came under heavy attack on Thursday after bandits ambushed two commercial 18-seater buses, abducting an unspecified number of passengers.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the attackers blocked the highway and opened fire, forcing one of the buses to speed away, while the second vehicle was intercepted and all its occupants taken into the bush.
Local news platform Egbe Mekun Parrot reported that the armed men operated swiftly before security operatives could arrive. Shortly after the incident, soldiers were deployed to the area and engaged the bandits in a gun battle in an attempt to repel the assault and rescue the abducted travellers.
A short video circulating online shows stranded commuters standing on the highway while troops advanced into the forested area to secure the road. Witnesses said the military presence later restored confidence among motorists who had abandoned their vehicles during the attack.
Earlier, SaharaReporters had confirmed the incident, which caused widespread panic among motorists and residents of surrounding communities.
One of the videos shared after the attack captured a female traveller saying:
“Road don clear, all thanks to the Nigerian Army, everybody don dey go back.”
Security authorities have not yet released an official statement on the number of victims or details of the rescue effort.
The attack highlights growing insecurity across major transport corridors in Kogi State, where criminal gangs continue to target travellers despite repeated military interventions.
Just a day earlier, suspected bandits attempted to abduct students of Kiri High School in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area. Members of the local vigilante group reportedly rescued all the abducted students, though one vigilante member and another resident were killed during the clash.
Residents are urging travellers to avoid the Osokoko–Obajana route until security agencies issue further updates.