Terrorists abduct passengers on busy Kwara highway.

Barely 48 hours after deadly attacks claimed the lives of more than 40 people in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, suspected terrorists have again struck, this time targeting travellers along a major highway in neighbouring Kwara State. In the early hours of yesterday, armed assailants attacked motorists on the busy Isanlu–Isin–Omu Aran road, abducting at least four passengers and throwing the area into fresh panic.

The attack on the Kwara highway occurred amid heightened tension in parts of Niger State, where residents are still grappling with the aftermath of the weekend bloodshed. On the same day as the Kwara incident, suspected terrorists also launched an assault on a security outpost manned by the Nigeria Police Border Patrol Team at New Kalli village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, further underscoring the deteriorating security situation across the region.

Following the deadly assault on Agwara and Borgu communities over the weekend, fear has continued to spread among residents. Many families have reportedly abandoned their ancestral homes, fleeing to neighbouring towns and communities amid rumours of another planned attack by armed groups. The displacement has left several villages partially deserted, with farmlands and local markets affected as residents prioritize safety over daily economic activities.

The attack along the Isanlu–Isin–Omu Aran road has raised serious concerns, as the route serves as a key link between several communities in Kwara South and the state capital, Ilorin. Witnesses described how the armed men laid an ambush, forcing vehicles to stop at gunpoint before selecting passengers and taking them away to an unknown location. The assailants reportedly operated for a significant period, instilling fear in motorists and effectively halting movement along the road.

Security concerns have continued to mount in the area, with reports indicating that armed groups remain active and are deliberately targeting travellers, particularly those heading towards Ilorin. Commercial drivers and commuters have since expressed growing anxiety, with some avoiding the route altogether or travelling in convoys in a bid to reduce risk.

As of yesterday evening, there had been no official confirmation from security authorities regarding the highway attack or concrete details on rescue efforts for the abducted victims. The silence has further heightened public unease, especially among families of those who frequently travel along the affected corridor.

Kwara State, once considered relatively peaceful, has in recent months experienced a troubling rise in violent incidents and kidnappings. Communities across the state have witnessed repeated attacks on roads, places of worship and residential areas, leading to widespread fear and disruption of normal life. The increasing frequency of such incidents has prompted renewed calls for stronger security presence, improved intelligence gathering and decisive action to dismantle criminal networks operating across state borders.

Meanwhile, the continued violence in Niger State has drawn national attention, with growing concern over what many see as the alarming spread and persistence of armed attacks across the country. The killings in Agwara and Borgu have once again highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to restore peace, protect lives and prevent further displacement of residents.

Across both states, residents are now left to contend with grief, fear and uncertainty, as they await decisive intervention to stem the tide of violence and bring perpetrators to justice.