A fresh case of insecurity was recorded in Nigeria as gunmen abducted a 48-year-old man, Mr. Aboaba Kayode Tayo, his wife, Mrs. Aboaba Ganiyat Tope, and six other passengers along a highway in Kwara State.
The incident occurred on December 18, 2025, at about 2:00 p.m. along the Babanla–Oke-Ode axis in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The victims were travelling in a commercial bus from Lagos to Kwara State for the Christmas holiday when they were intercepted.
Mr. Aboaba, a resident of No. 13 James Onifade Street, Akesan, Igando area of Lagos State, was reportedly travelling with his family. While he, his wife, and six other passengers were taken away by the attackers, four of his children were left behind unharmed.
The children are identified as Aboaba Abdulkabir Ayobami, Aboaba Azeezat Oyinkansola, Aboaba Mariam Omotola, and the youngest, Aboaba Abdul-Lateef Ireayomide. Two elderly women were also left behind in the bus.
Eyewitnesses said residents of nearby communities later moved closer to ensure the safety of the remaining passengers, particularly the children, after the kidnappers fled with their victims.
The whereabouts of Mr. and Mrs. Aboaba and the other abducted passengers remain unknown as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has heightened fears over rising insecurity on inter-state highways, especially during the festive travel period.
Residents are calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and take urgent steps to rescue the abducted victims.