Bandits Ambush Bus on Osokoko–Obajana Road, Abduct Passengers in Kogi State

Bandits attacked an 18-seater commercial bus on the Osokoko–Obajana road in Kogi State on Thursday, abducting all passengers on board. The incident occurred when two buses ran into the armed group; one vehicle escaped while the other was intercepted.

Eyewitnesses said soldiers arrived shortly after the ambush and exchanged fire with the attackers, prompting travellers to wait on the highway until the road was cleared. A video shared online showed stranded commuters confirming that security personnel had restored order.

Residents have urged motorists to avoid the route until authorities fully secure the area. Officials have yet to issue a formal statement, but witnesses reported that the military intervention prevented further casualties or damage.

The assault adds to rising security concerns across Kogi State, where travellers have faced repeated threats from armed groups. It follows another incident in the early hours of Wednesday at Kiri High School in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area, where vigilantes confronted intruders and rescued all abducted students. One vigilante was killed in the operation, and a resident reported an additional fatality.

These events come amid a surge of mass abductions across Nigeria’s north-central region, where more than 400 people—mostly schoolchildren—have been taken since mid-November, drawing strong condemnation from international bodies and religious leaders.