Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Armed bandits dressed in Nigerian Army uniforms attacked a commercial bus travelling from Lagos to Abuja on Wednesday evening, abducting three passengers while about 10 others escaped from the scene in an incident that has raised fresh concerns over the safety of travellers along the Kabba–Ayere corridor. The attack occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on July 22, 2026, around Welcome to Kabba, near the Kabba–Ayere boundary in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, according to multiple reports. A commercial Toyota Sienna bus carrying 13 passengers was intercepted by the heavily armed assailants, who blocked the road and forced the vehicle to stop.
A local source, Egbe Mekun Parrot, told Capital Post that the bandits, wearing military camouflage, blocked the road when the Sienna bus ran into them. One of the escapees recounted that the assailants intercepted the vehicle and abducted three passengers, while the remaining passengers managed to flee from the scene. The attackers, who were heavily armed, operated with impunity, leaving the survivors to make their way to safety. The incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, according to reports.
The same stretch of road has witnessed a series of kidnapping incidents in recent times, heightening concerns among commuters and residents. The Kabba–Ayere axis, which connects Kogi State to neighbouring states, has become a hotspot for criminal activity, with travellers frequently targeted by armed groups. The attack comes just days after the House of Representatives urged the Federal Government to establish permanent military formations at the Ayere–Akunu border axis in Ijumu Local Government Area to tackle the growing menace of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping in the area. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by the member representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, and it remains unclear whether any rescue operation has been launched to locate the abducted passengers. The Kogi State Police Command had not commented on the incident as of the time of filing this report. The attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents along the Lagos-Abuja highway, which has become a corridor of concern for security agencies. Commuters have repeatedly called on the government to intensify security patrols and establish more checkpoints to deter criminal elements. The abduction of the three passengers is a stark reminder of the persistent insecurity plaguing the region, despite ongoing military operations and government efforts to restore peace.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments