Tension has risen again in Kogi State after suspected bandits on Saturday kidnapped several travellers along the Isanlu–Makutu–Idofin road in Yagba East Local Government Area. The gunmen reportedly mounted a roadblock on the busy route, stopping vehicles and forcing passengers into the forest. The attack is the latest in a series of incidents that have put communities in the Yagba axis on edge.
Residents said the bandits operated for hours without interruption. According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers blocked the road and waited for approaching vehicles. As cars arrived, the gunmen pulled out the passengers and marched them into the bush. The atmosphere was filled with panic as motorists who heard about the incident quickly turned back to avoid running into the ambush.
One eyewitness said the number of victims is still uncertain because many passengers were taken from different vehicles. “We don’t know the exact number of people kidnapped,” he explained. “What we heard is that about three vehicles ran into the ambush and almost everyone in them was taken, except one person.”
The witness added that security forces later arrived in the community and made efforts to track down the attackers. “Later in the evening, soldiers and local vigilantes followed the attackers into the forest and exchanged gunfire with them. Some victims were rescued during the confrontation,” he said.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, CSP William Aya. He said the attack involved three travellers who were in a vehicle that ran into the bandits. According to Aya, one of the travellers, identified as Raji Adesukami, managed to escape. The remaining two victims were taken away by the kidnappers.
Aya added that the Commissioner of Police has already deployed multiple special units to the area. These include the Quick Response Unit, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and the Police Mobile Force. Their task is to rescue the abducted victims, track the attackers, and secure the troubled route.
Kidnapping and bandit attacks have become a major concern in several parts of Kogi State, particularly in Yagba East, Yagba West, Mopa-Muro, and other communities within the Kogi West zone. Travellers, farmers, and local residents have raised fears about the increasing number of attacks on highways and rural areas.
The Isanlu–Makutu–Idofin road, which connects Kogi to parts of Kwara and Ekiti States, is a major route for traders and commuters. Over the years, the road has seen several cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and attacks by suspected bandits hiding in thick forests along the corridor.
Saturday’s incident adds to growing concern about the safety of the route. Many residents say they are now afraid to travel early in the morning or late in the evening. Some transporters have even begun diverting through longer routes to avoid potential ambushes.
This attack also comes shortly after other security breaches in Yagba communities. Local leaders say their people have been living in fear and that urgent intervention is needed to prevent the situation from getting worse.
In recent years, local vigilante groups have become important partners in community security operations across Kogi State. Their knowledge of the forests and footpaths has helped in several rescue efforts. During Saturday’s incident, vigilantes and soldiers reportedly worked together to chase the kidnappers and engage them in a shootout, which resulted in the rescue of some abducted travellers.
Kogi State has been working to strengthen its security architecture due to increasing threats from criminals believed to operate between state borders. The state government has often highlighted its collaboration with federal security agencies, especially the police and the military, in responding to attacks.
The recent deployment of special police units to Yagba East shows the seriousness of the situation. Security experts say it is important for such operations to be sustained rather than temporary so that criminal gangs do not return.
Residents also want long-term measures such as clearing thick vegetation along highways, improved surveillance, and community awareness campaigns to help reduce attacks.
People living in the Isanlu and Makutu areas expressed their frustration after the incident. Many say they are tired of living with constant fear each time they need to travel. Several community leaders are calling for urgent government intervention and better security patrols along rural roads.
A trader from Isanlu said the news of the kidnapping spread quickly through the town and caused fear among market women. “Everyone is worried,” she said. “When these things happen, business slows down because people are afraid to move.”
Youth groups in the area have also expressed concern and urged authorities to act swiftly to rescue the victims and prevent future incidents.
