A fresh wave of violence has struck central Nigeria as armed attackers ambushed motorists along the Isanlu Makutu to Idofin highway in Kogi State, leaving several travellers feared abducted. The Saturday strike marks another troubling escalation in highway insecurity across Nigeria’s middle belt, where once-safe routes have become high-risk corridors over the past year.

Witnesses described a sudden and coordinated assault on vehicles travelling through the stretch of road that links Yagba East in Kogi State to neighbouring Kwara. The attack reportedly occurred in the early afternoon, disrupting traffic and forcing motorists to flee into surrounding bushes for safety. Local reports indicate that multiple travellers were taken, although the exact number remains unconfirmed as authorities work to verify preliminary accounts.

Security sources told local journalists that vigilance groups and police detachments have been deployed to comb the area. However, the remote terrain, combined with the attackers’ familiarity with the forested surroundings, has slowed immediate search efforts. Community residents say the incident has triggered panic across adjoining villages, many of which have endured repeated incursions from armed groups over the last two years.

This latest violence highlights a troubling pattern. Highways across Kogi, Kwara, Niger and parts of the Federal Capital Territory have witnessed a surge in abductions, with armed groups increasingly targeting civilian commuters for ransom. The Isanlu Makutu to Idofin corridor has been flagged by security analysts as a vulnerable stretch, given its proximity to forest belts stretching into Kwara and Niger states.

Local officials have yet to release a formal statement, although one senior security source confirmed that reinforcement units have been dispatched from both the Kogi State Police Command and regional joint task forces. The spokesperson noted that details remain sketchy, but early findings suggest the attackers were well coordinated and may have monitored traffic patterns before striking.

Residents say the attack has renewed fears that armed groups operating along the borders of Kogi and Kwara are reorganising despite recent government claims of progress in combating insecurity. Community leaders across Yagba East have urged immediate military intervention, warning that unless rapid action is taken, road travel in the region could collapse entirely.

The incident also underscores the growing limitations of local vigilance groups that have tried to fill security gaps. While community volunteers often respond faster than formal units, they lack the firepower and logistical support to confront heavily armed bands operating in clusters across multiple states.

As authorities continue search-and-rescue efforts, families of travellers have begun gathering information through transport unions, motor parks and local security desks. Many are appealing for authorities to provide transparent updates to avoid misinformation and panic.

The rising frequency of such attacks raises questions about Nigeria’s broader counter-kidnapping strategy. Analysts say coordinated operations across state boundaries remain limited, even though armed kidnapping networks move fluidly across territories. Without integrated intelligence sharing and sustained aerial surveillance in forest zones, rural highways are likely to remain exposed.

For now, the fate of the abducted travellers remains uncertain. Police and security partners are urging patience as verification continues, with assurances that a full response is underway. More updates will follow as authorities confirm new details.