Terror Strikes Kogi Again: Gunmen Kill Two, Abduct Five Travellers in Fresh Attack on Isanlu Road

Terror Strikes Kogi Again: Gunmen Kill Two, Abduct Five Travellers in Fresh Attack on Isanlu Road

June 23, 2026

A fresh wave of terror has swept through Kogi State after heavily armed gunmen attacked travellers along the Okoloke–Isanlu Esa road in Yagba West Local Government Area, killing two persons and abducting at least five others.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, has thrown residents into panic and further heightened fears over the growing insecurity in the state.

According to community sources, the assailants ambushed unsuspecting commuters travelling along the strategic road that links several communities within Yagba West, opening another dark chapter in the area's escalating security crisis.

Eyewitnesses and local residents disclosed that two people were killed during the attack, while no fewer than five others were forcibly taken away by the gunmen to an unknown destination.

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that several families are still desperately searching for their loved ones, raising concerns that the number of victims could increase.

"The attack happened this morning. So far, two people have been confirmed dead and about five others were kidnapped. Some people are still unaccounted for, and families are searching for their relatives," the source said.

The latest incident has intensified anxiety among residents, many of whom say they now live in constant fear due to repeated attacks by criminal gangs operating in forests surrounding the area.

The Okoloke–Isanlu Esa axis has increasingly become a hotspot for kidnappings and violent attacks in recent years. Commuters and residents have repeatedly complained about the activities of armed groups who often target travellers, demand huge ransoms from victims' families and disrupt economic activities in affected communities.

Many residents are now calling on both the Kogi State Government and federal security agencies to take urgent and decisive action to secure the area before more lives are lost.

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives had reportedly been alerted and were said to be mobilising to the scene. However, details regarding rescue operations or possible arrests remained unclear.

The attack adds to growing concerns over persistent insecurity across parts of Kogi State, despite repeated assurances by authorities to strengthen security architecture and combat criminal activities.

Residents say the continued attacks are affecting movement, trade and daily life, as many people now avoid travelling through vulnerable routes, especially during the early morning and late evening hours.

Community leaders have urged the government to increase security patrols, deploy additional personnel and establish permanent security checkpoints along major roads vulnerable to attacks.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, while investigations and security operations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, families of the abducted victims remain in anguish, hoping for their safe return as the state once again confronts the harsh reality of rising insecurity.

More details are expected to emerge as security agencies assess the situation and intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators.