Fresh Bandit Attack on Isanlu Makutu–Idofin Highway Deepens Fear Across Kogi Communities

A renewed wave of terror gripped parts of Kogi State on Saturday as a group of armed bandits launched yet another attack along the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin highway in Yagba East Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred in the early afternoon, has intensified fear among travellers and residents, further underscoring the escalating insecurity plaguing the region.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers emerged suddenly, forcing commuters and villagers to flee in panic. The chaos that followed made it difficult for security volunteers and locals to immediately determine how many people had been abducted. As of the time the situation was reported, the number of victims remained unclear due to the confusion and continued search efforts.

Local sources confirmed that tension has spread rapidly across surrounding communities. Many residents have reportedly chosen to remain indoors, while travellers have begun diverting routes to avoid the dangerous stretch of road. The Isanlu Makutu–Idofin corridor, which connects several important towns and facilitates movement between Kogi and neighbouring states, has increasingly become a hotspot for violent crimes.

Security agencies were said to have been promptly alerted, and operatives were mobilising to the scene while the attack was still unfolding. The response effort is expected to include military personnel, police units, and local vigilante groups who have long been engaged in countering armed groups in the state.

This attack comes barely two days after a major coordinated bandit assault on multiple vehicles across key Kogi highways. In that earlier incident, twenty-one passengers—including women and a nine-day-old baby—were rescued following a fierce gun duel between security operatives and the attackers. Despite the successful rescue effort, the clash resulted in the deaths of a soldier and a vigilante member, both of whom were fatally hit during the exchange of gunfire. Their identities had not been officially released at the time.

SaharaReporters revealed that over 100 bandits participated in Thursday’s highway siege, targeting several vehicles travelling in different directions around 2 p.m. The ambushed vehicles included a Toyota Sienna travelling from Oshogbo to Kaduna, two Toyota Hiace buses headed for Abuja and Ekiti, a Toyota Carina en route to Kabba, a Dangote truck transporting cement, and a J5 bus carrying pepper from Kano to Lagos. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately, forcing terrified passengers to abandon their vehicles and run into nearby bushes.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed that a joint team comprising men of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, the Quick Response Unit, officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local hunter-vigilante formations responded quickly. Their coordinated counter-operation led to the rescue of the 21 trapped passengers, whose names were later listed, including families travelling with children.

However, despite the partial success, the heavy casualties and repeated attacks point to a much deeper security challenge across Kogi’s major roadways. Communities such as Egbe, Ayetoro Gbede, Isanlu-Makutu, and Iyamoye have recently recorded multiple incidents, prompting residents to express frustration and fear over what appears to be a persistent bandit presence.

The ongoing insecurity has triggered widespread reactions across social platforms, with many questioning the responsiveness of both state and federal authorities. Some blamed worsening economic hardship, while others pointed fingers at leadership failures at multiple levels. There are also renewed calls for a more aggressive counter-banditry strategy, especially in Kogi, where kidnapping incidents are reported almost daily.

As security agencies continue operations in the affected areas, residents remain anxious, uncertain whether relief or further escalation lies ahead.