One Killed, Many Abducted in Ibadan–Ijebu Road Ambush

​A Friday evening journey turned into a nightmare for commuters on the Ibadan–Ijebu Expressway after suspected bandits launched a coordinated ambush, leaving one person dead and several others missing.

​The attack, which occurred around 7:00 PM on April 18, 2026, targeted a busy stretch of the highway that serves as a vital artery between Oyo and Ogun States. Armed men reportedly emerged from the dense forest flanking the road, unleashing a volley of gunfire on unsuspecting motorists.

​Chaos and Panic

​Eyewitnesses described a scene of absolute terror as drivers desperately attempted to reverse their vehicles to escape the hail of bullets. “It was total pandemonium,” shared one survivor who fled back toward the Ibadan end of the road. “People were abandoning their cars and running into the bush for safety, but the gunmen had already surrounded several vehicles. They shot one person point-blank and dragged others away.”

​The identity of the victim killed in the fray remains withheld by authorities as they work to contact the family.

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​Security Response

​By late Friday night, tension remained high as tactical units from both the Oyo and Ogun State Police Commands were reportedly mobilized to the scene. While official spokespersons have yet to provide a confirmed headcount of those abducted, security sources indicate that a search-and-rescue operation is currently underway in the surrounding forest reserves.

​The Ibadan–Ijebu axis has been a point of concern for security agencies due to its thick vegetation, which provides cover for criminal elements. This latest incident has reignited calls for permanent security outposts along the corridor to protect travelers.

​Travel Advisory

​Commuters are urged to exercise extreme caution. Security experts and local authorities are currently advising motorists to avoid night travel on the route and to stay tuned for further updates as the joint task forces work to secure the highway.