The attack, which occurred in the early hours of June 1, 2026, triggered a large-scale joint security response involving multiple agencies.
Coordinated Security Response
According to police authorities, a distress call was received at about 2:49 a.m. reporting heavy gunfire in Ayegunle Community. In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, immediately deployed tactical teams to the area.
Joint operations were carried out by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, as well as local security groups including vigilantes, forest guards, and the Civilian Joint Task Force.
Targeted Attack on Traditional Ruler
Preliminary investigations revealed that the assault was allegedly masterminded by a notorious bandit leader identified as “Batijo,” who reportedly ordered the invasion in retaliation for the arrest of some of his associates.
Security sources disclosed that the traditional ruler of Ayegunle Community, Oba Sunday Omodamori, was the primary target of the attackers. However, he was not at home during the invasion, a development that reportedly prevented his abduction.
Abductions, Killings and Highway Ambush
During the raid, the attackers abducted three residents identified as Ojo Abiodun, Bunmi Sunday, and Chief James Obayomi.
Chief Obayomi was later killed while attempting to escape, while the remaining victims are still being held captive.
The attackers then moved to the Kabba–Obajana highway, where they blocked the road and opened fire on vehicles, targeting both private and commercial transport.
A container truck driver was shot in both legs during the ambush. Two 18-seater buses were also intercepted, with passengers abducted from both vehicles. Another bus was attacked after the driver reportedly refused to stop, resulting in the immediate death of one passenger, Abdullahi Hashimu, and injuries to four others.
In total, about 30 people were abducted across the community and highway incidents.
Multi-Agency Search-and-Rescue Operation
Following the attack, security operatives launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, securing the scene and evacuating stranded victims and injured passengers to medical facilities in Kabba.
Tracking the attackers into surrounding forest areas, operatives discovered that the group had passed through a Fulani settlement where they allegedly rustled about 200 cattle during their retreat.
Sustained pressure from security forces eventually forced the criminals to abandon about 100 of the stolen cattle as they fled deeper into the forest.
Arrest of Key Suspect
Police confirmed that ongoing intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of one suspect identified as Ibrahim, described as a core member of the criminal network linked to the attack.
Authorities say the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as investigations continue to track down other members of the gang.
The police described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle the armed network responsible for the deadly assault and other related criminal activities in the region.
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