Gunmen abduct 4 on Isanlu–Omu Aran road after Niger killings

Suspected terrorists have attacked the Isanlu–Isin–Omu Aran road in Kwara State, kidnapping at least four travellers in the early hours of Monday. The attack occurred less than 48 hours after gunmen killed more than 40 people in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of neighbouring Niger State.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants blocked the busy highway, forced vehicles to stop, and abducted passengers before fleeing into nearby forests. The Isanlu–Omu Aran road serves as a key link between Kwara and parts of Niger and Kogi states and is frequently used by commuters and commercial drivers.

The incident heightened fears among residents, especially coming shortly after the deadly attacks in Niger State. Local sources said travellers now avoid early morning and late-night movements along the route due to rising insecurity.

On the same day, suspected terrorists also attacked a security outpost at New Kalli village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The outpost was manned by the Nigeria Police Border Patrol Team. Details of casualties from the attack were not immediately available, but security sources confirmed that the post came under heavy gunfire.

The attacks point to a growing spread of terrorist activities across the Kwara–Niger axis, an area increasingly affected by armed groups operating from forest corridors linking both states. Residents of affected communities expressed concern over what they described as delayed security response and inadequate patrols on major roads.

Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the Kwara road abduction as of press time. However, joint security operations are said to be ongoing in parts of Borgu following the recent killings and the attack on the police outpost.

Community leaders have called for increased patrols, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained security presence to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence.