A major security breach unfolded on a key highway in Kogi State on Monday, December 1, 2025, as Nigerian security forces engaged armed bandits in a prolonged gun battle. The violent exchange, which occurred on the Oshokoshoko–Obajana road, left dozens of travellers stranded and in fear for several hours.
Highway Horror: Commuters Caught in Crossfire
The incident reportedly began when the armed criminals launched an attack on the increasingly perilous transport corridor. In response, security operatives moved in, leading to a combative exchange of gunfire. The situation forced a complete halt to vehicular movement, with long queues of cars and buses parked helplessly.
According to accounts from the scene, many commuters abandoned their vehicles and fled for safety, while others remained trapped by the roadside. A distressed traveller captured the tense atmosphere in a video, pleading for urgent intervention from authorities. "Nigeria, please come and save us here. We are in trouble. Everybody is parked; nobody is moving. Kidnappers are taking over the road," the shaken individual said, identifying the location as Oshokoshoko, between Kaba and Obajana.
A State Under Siege: Recent Attacks in Kogi
This highway clash is not an isolated event in Kogi State. It comes against a backdrop of escalating banditry and kidnapping incidents in the region. Just a day earlier, on Sunday, November 30, 2025, gunmen attacked the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area.
During that assault, which took place in the middle of a church service, a pastor and his wife were among those kidnapped, throwing the community into chaos. These consecutive attacks highlight the growing security challenges faced by residents and travellers in the state.
Public Outcry and Calls for Action
The trending video and news of the highway gunfight sparked significant anger and concern among Nigerians online. Many took to social media to criticize the perceived failure of the national security architecture. Reactions included:
- @ChigozirimChim1: "This is a critical failure point in Nigeria. National security architecture. Lives are literally on the line, and the government is doing little or nothing."
- @Fortis1o: "Does Nigeria have a president? Does Kogi have a governor? Does the police exist in Kogi state? It’s all a mess these days."
- @Reeky_99: "Kidnapping used to be at night, only now they do it in broad daylight. I've never been more scared to be in this country."
Other commentators questioned the continued use of the dangerous road and lamented the typically slow response time of security agencies, suggesting help often arrives only after criminals have completed their operations.
The incident underscores the urgent need for reinforced security measures on major highways in Kogi and other states grappling with banditry. It also raises serious questions about the safety of interstate travel and the protection of citizens going about their daily lives. As the state and federal governments grapple with this menace, residents remain in a state of anxiety, hoping for decisive action to restore peace and security.
