Armed Kidnappers Strike Again on Lokoja–Anyigba Highway, Abduct Several Passengers

Heavily Armed kidnappers have once again attacked travelers along the Lokoja–Anyigba highway, near Itobe, abducting several passengers in a brazen ambush that has intensified fear among motorists and commuters.

According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen laid siege to the busy route on Thursday evening, forcing two vehicles to a halt before whisking an unspecified number of passengers into the nearby bush. The incident reportedly caused panic, with other road users making frantic efforts to turn back to safety.

Security operatives have since been deployed to the area, with joint efforts underway to track down the attackers and rescue the victims. Local sources say patrols have been intensified along the highway, which has witnessed recurrent cases of kidnapping in recent months.

A traveler who narrowly escaped the attack described the situation as “terrifying,” calling for urgent government intervention to secure the route.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the number of victims or arrests made, but residents of nearby communities have appealed for stronger security presence to forestall further incidents.

The Lokoja–Anyigba highway remains a critical link between Kogi’s central and eastern senatorial districts, and its growing insecurity has raised concerns among transporters and commuters alike.