Bandits Attack 18-Seater Buses on Osokoko–Obajana Road in Kogi State

Published

11 months ago

November 27, 2025

Quick Summary:
Bandits ambush two 18-seater buses along the Osokoko–Obajana axis in Kogi State; one bus attacked, passengers abducted, while soldiers repel the assault and clear the highway.

Bandits Strike Along Osokoko–Obajana Axis

Bandits launched an attack along the Osokoko–Obajana road in Kogi State, targeting two commercial 18-seater buses and other vehicles.

According to reports from Egbe Mekun Parrot, one of the buses was successfully intercepted, while the second managed to escape. Eyewitnesses confirmed that all passengers on the attacked bus were abducted, though the exact number of victims remains unknown.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, sparking panic among residents and travellers in the area.

Military Response and Road Clearance

Sources revealed that Nigerian Army personnel arrived shortly after the attack and engaged the bandits in a firefight to repel the assault.

The military response led to a video circulating online showing travellers waiting on the highway until soldiers secured and cleared the road.

In one of the videos, a woman could be heard saying, “Road don clear, all thanks to the Nigerian Army, everybody don dey go back.”

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the soldiers successfully repelled the attackers, preventing further casualties or property loss.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement, but residents have warned motorists to avoid the route until security forces fully secure the area.

Ongoing Insecurity in Kogi State

The attack underscores the persistent security challenges along major routes in Kogi State, where armed gangs frequently target travellers for ransom.

Just a day earlier, Kiri High School in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area, came under attack when bandits stormed the community in an attempted abduction.

Members of the Kiri Vigilante Group quickly mobilised and rescued all abducted students, preventing a mass kidnapping.

However, the operation resulted in the death of one vigilante and a civilian casualty, identified by residents as a Hausa man.

Broader Context of Rising Abductions

The Osokoko–Obajana attack comes amid a wave of mass kidnappings across Nigeria’s north-central region, where over 400 people, mostly schoolchildren, have been abducted since mid-November 2025.

The surge in attacks has drawn condemnation from the United Nations and global religious leaders, who have urged the Nigerian government to intensify counter-banditry operations and protect vulnerable communities.

Security analysts warn that the frequency of highway ambushes and school attacks reflects a deepening national security crisis, demanding coordinated military and intelligence responses.

Related Topics:Abductions Banditry HighwayAttacks Kogi NigeriaHighwayBanditry2025 nigeriasecurity PhinadonMagazineNews Sokoto Zamfara

Up Next

Obasanjo Warns Nigeria’s Security Collapse May Justify International Intervention

Don't Miss

Court Rules Free Basic Education Is a Legal Right for Every Nigerian Child

Click to comment

Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Published

2 days ago

October 15, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Published

2 days ago

October 15, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Published

2 days ago

October 15, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.