“Nigerians, Please Help Us!”—Man Cries as Bandits and Soldiers Exchange Fire on Kogi State Expressway

Travellers along the Kabba Obajana axis in Oshoko, Kogi State, were left stranded for hours following a suspected terrorist attack that caused widespread panic. Eyewitnesses reported that armed kidnappers had taken control of the road, preventing commuters from moving and creating a tense and dangerous situation.

In a live recording, one man described the chaotic scene, saying, “The whole area is on fire,” and added that soldiers and bandits were exchanging gunfire. He continued, “Everybody see what’s happening here. We’re all stuck here. From here, no movement. We’ve been stranded for more than three hours. Kidnappers have taken over the road. We don’t know what to do, we don’t know where to go.”

Security personnel were reportedly deployed to the area to respond to the attack, but travellers said the presence of armed men on the road caused fear and confusion. Commuters were forced to abandon their vehicles and wait for hours as the standoff between soldiers and the suspected kidnappers unfolded.

The incident has sparked alarm online, with many Nigerians questioning the adequacy of security arrangements in the state. On social media, 

@Upliner042 wrote, “So this is now our daily reality in this country? No protest anywhere. We are too docile as a people.” Other users shared similar concerns. 

@Scarse asked, “This is becoming alarming. What is the governor doing on that axis?”

@Tadylerry commented, “You dare not travel again. What kind of country is this?” while

 @Ovlagos23 added, “You can’t travel safely in Nigeria again.” 

@Hamxher_01 wrote, “Kogi own don de worse now ooo. God, please.”

The attack underscores the growing insecurity in parts of Kogi State, particularly along key transport routes that are critical for commuters and traders. Local residents and travellers have called for urgent government intervention to ensure the safety of citizens and restore order along the expressway.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding casualties or arrests, but the event has drawn national attention and renewed concerns about the security situation in the region.