Kogi State has been thrust into the spotlight following two major bandit attacks reported within 24 hours in Osokoko and Ogbajana, both in the Kabba area near the Dangote Refinery corridor.
State authorities have, however, dismissed widespread social-media claims suggesting that the Kogi State Polytechnic in Lokoja came under attack.
According to Trending Explained, the first incident occurred on Wednesday when suspected Fulani bandits stormed Kiri High School in Aiyetoro Kiri in broad daylight, allegedly attempting to abduct more than 60 students.
Local vigilantes and hunters swiftly mobilised, engaging the attackers and forcing them to abandon the students.
The confrontation resulted in two deaths: a vigilante member and a bystander hit by a stray bullet. Viral footage from the scene shows vigilante operatives overpowering an armed suspect believed to be one of the attackers.
Another video circulating online showing students running in panic was initially linked to Kogi Poly. However, the school’s Rector reportedly informed the state government that it was a false alarm. The state subsequently deployed soldiers to the campus as a precaution.
A clip showing a man firing a weapon was also clarified to be vigilante members sweeping the surrounding forest for escaping bandits.
The second attack unfolded Thursday afternoon along the Ogbajana axis near the Dangote Refinery. Witnesses said a Dangote truck driver alerted other motorists to avoid the route due to an ongoing bandit operation. The attackers were said to have mounted a roadblock with the intention of abducting travellers.
Two buses reportedly ran into the ambush; while one managed to escape, the second was intercepted. All 18 passengers, including children, adults and the elderly, were forced into the bush.
Security forces and vigilantes later engaged the attackers, with sources claiming that four bandits were killed and at least eight hostages freed.
However, the fate of the remaining passengers remains unclear, as the confrontation reportedly lasted almost four hours before reinforcements arrived.
The Kogi State Government has reiterated that there was no attack in Lokoja or at the Kogi State Polytechnic, stressing that police, military and local security teams are currently on the ground across affected communities.
Meanwhile, relatives of abducted victims are in distress. One man said he has been calling his hypertensive mother’s phone, only for an unfamiliar voice identified as Fulani to answer.
Many Nigerians are urging swift intervention by security agencies, with some hoping that the DSS could help fast-track negotiations or rescue efforts.
