Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
KOGI STATE, Nigeria — Barely a week after armed bandits killed two persons along the Okoloke–Isanlu Esa road in Yagba West Local Government Area, another abduction has been reported in the same corridor, heightening fears among residents and commuters who depend on the route for daily economic activities. A commercial motorcyclist identified as Tobi Silas, said to be from Oke-Ere, was abducted along the Isanlu Esa Road on Thursday, June 25, 2026, according to local sources.
The incident occurred about three days ago while the victim was carrying out his daily transportation business. A source familiar with the incident alleged that Tobi had conveyed a passenger to a riverine area in the community and later picked up another individual who requested a ride to Isanlu Esa. It was during this journey that he was abducted by armed bandits operating in the area.
The latest abduction comes just days after a deadly attack on the same road on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, when heavily armed assailants ambushed travellers along the Okoloke–Isanlu Esa axis, killing two persons and abducting at least five others. According to community sources, the attackers struck on Tuesday morning, throwing residents and commuters into panic as gunmen opened fire on passengers. Two victims were confirmed dead, while five others were whisked away to an unknown destination. Some residents also reported that a number of persons were still unaccounted for after the attack. The two victims were later identified as Daro and Daniel, according to eyewitness accounts.
The Okoloke–Isanlu Esa axis serves as a key link between communities in Yagba West, an area that has witnessed repeated cases of kidnapping and attacks by armed groups operating in nearby forests. Residents have repeatedly expressed concerns over the worsening security situation along the corridor. The latest attack has renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect lives and property across affected communities in Kogi State.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, had earlier visited Isanlu-Esa in Yagba West Local Government Area following recent cases of kidnapping and killings along Okunran, Okoloke, and Isanlu-Esa communities, which heightened tension in the area. During the visit, the governor vowed to defeat criminality in the state. However, the persistence of attacks has left many residents questioning the effectiveness of security measures.
Details surrounding the abduction of Tobi Silas remain unclear, and his whereabouts have yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report on Monday, June 29, 2026. Residents have expressed concern over the development and are calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure his safe release and address security challenges along the route. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the reported kidnapping. Personnel from the 12 Brigade stationed in Okoloke responded to the earlier attack on June 23 and assisted survivors, but it remains unclear whether similar operations have been launched in response to the latest abduction.
The recurring attacks in Yagba West Local Government Area highlight the growing insecurity in parts of Kogi State, where residents have continued to demand stronger security measures to protect lives and property. For the family of Tobi Silas and the broader community, the wait for news continues as fear and uncertainty grip the region.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments