Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Gunmen suspected to be terrorists launched a deadly ambush on travellers along the Okoloke–Isanlu Esa road in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State on Tuesday morning, June 23, 2026, killing two persons and abducting at least five others, community sources and multiple news reports have confirmed.
The attack occurred in the early hours of the day, throwing residents and commuters into panic as heavily armed assailants ambushed travellers along the notorious corridor. According to community sources, two victims were confirmed dead at the scene, while no fewer than five others were whisked away by the gunmen to an unknown destination.
“The attack happened this morning. So far, two people have been confirmed killed and about five others were kidnapped. Some people are still unaccounted for, and families are searching for their loved ones,” a community source told SaharaReporters. Residents said the incident has heightened fears among communities in the area, where cases of kidnapping and attacks by armed groups have become a recurring security challenge.
The Okoloke–Isanlu Esa axis is a major route linking several communities in Yagba West, and commuters have repeatedly raised concerns over insecurity and the activities of kidnappers operating in forests surrounding the area. The road has witnessed several attacks in recent months, making it one of the most dangerous corridors in Kogi State.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over persistent insecurity in parts of Kogi State, where residents have continued to demand stronger security measures to protect lives and property. Local reports suggest that one of the deceased, identified as Daro, was related to a victim killed in a previous attack in 2025 linked to the kidnapping incident involving the traditional ruler of Okoloke.
Security personnel from the 12 Brigade stationed in Okoloke were reportedly alerted and mobilised to the scene after distress calls were raised. Survivors were said to have fled into nearby bushes during the attack and were later assisted by responding troops. No rescue operation had been confirmed as of the time of this report, and the abducted victims remain in captivity.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, and the exact number of those unaccounted for remains unclear as families continue to search for missing relatives. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents along the Okoloke–Isanlu Esa corridor, where armed groups have exploited the dense forests surrounding the area to launch ambushes on commuters with impunity.
The Kogi State Government has in recent weeks intensified security operations across the state, particularly following the killing of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10. However, Tuesday's attack suggests that criminal networks remain active and capable of striking vulnerable communities despite ongoing military pressure.
As of the time of filing this report, security operatives had been deployed to the area, but details of any rescue operation were still sketchy. The incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect lives and property across affected communities in Kogi State.
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