A road accident on the Lokoja-Okene highway claimed six lives, while a separate bandit attack in Yagba East killed four more, totaling ten deaths in Kogi State on December 3, 2025. The crash involved passengers returning from a disability commemoration event. Authorities expressed condolences and pledged support for the injured.
On December 3, 2025, Kogi State experienced two tragic incidents that resulted in ten confirmed deaths. The first was a fatal road crash along the Lokoja-Okene road, where a bus carrying participants back from the International Day of Persons with Disabilities event at Government House in Lokoja overturned. State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, announced that six people lost their lives, with thirteen others injured and receiving treatment at various health facilities.
Fanwo described the accident as a profound sorrow for the state, stating, “The unfortunate accident... claimed six precious lives. Thirteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.” Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo directed the government to cover all medical costs for the injured, deploying officials to hospitals for support. Fanwo added, “We mourn deeply with the families of the deceased and extend our heartfelt condolences to them during this painful and devastating moment.”
In a separate event that morning, suspected bandits attacked Irunda Ile in Yagba East Local Government Area, killing two vigilantes who confronted them. When police arrived, a confrontation ensued with protesting youths demanding pursuit of the attackers. This led to two more deaths from police action, including tear gas deployment, as reported by community leader Chief (Engr) David Oni Sunday. He said, “Two vigilantes were killed by the bandits and two other persons were mistakenly killed by the police.”
Kogi's Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omadora (Retd), confirmed the bandit incursion and criticized the youths' response, noting recent successes like neutralizing bandits at mine sites using a helicopter. He affirmed, “Kogi State government will not allow any criminals in the state. We are working very hard to see that Kogi State is safe for everyone.” These events underscore ongoing security and road safety challenges in the region.