The wave of insecurity sweeping through Kogi State intensified on Tuesday as suspected armed Fulani herdsmen invaded Okoloke community in Yagba West Local Government Area and abducted four residents, including a respected community leader.
This latest abduction brings the number of kidnapped victims in the area to eight within one week, sparking panic and prompting an exodus of residents fleeing for safety.
According to local sources, the assailants struck in the early hours of Tuesday, targeting the home of a retired civil servant, Mr. Ezekiel Durojaiye, in Okunran village, near Ofoloke. Durojaiye, a well-known figure in the community, was taken along with three others whose identities were yet to be confirmed as of press time.
James Ogundele, a resident of the area, confirmed the incident: “The armed men again invaded our community and went straight to the residence of Ezekiel Durojaiye. Last Thursday, they kidnapped our traditional ruler, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda. Then on Saturday, they ambushed and killed two vigilante members and abducted a telecom staff. With today’s incident, a total of eight people have been taken within just one week.”
The latest attack follows a string of violent incidents that began last Thursday, when 91-year-old HRH Oba James Dada Ogunyanda was abducted from his palace in Ofoloke around 2am. His captors reportedly demanded an initial ransom of N100 million, which was later negotiated down to N50 million.
On Saturday, the violence escalated further when suspected gunmen killed three individuals — two local vigilante members and a telecommunications staff — during a clash in the area.
The growing insecurity has led to widespread fear among residents, with many reportedly abandoning their homes to seek refuge in safer locations.
Efforts to get a response from the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Aya, had yet to respond to calls and messages as of the time of filing this report.
Community leaders are calling on the Kogi State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene before the situation spirals further out of control.
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