In yet another chilling incident, unidentified gunmen have abducted four individuals in Okoloke, a quiet community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, throwing residents into panic and deepening concerns over rising insecurity in the region.
Among the victims is a respected community leader and retiree, Pa Ezekiel Durojaiye, whose abduction has particularly shaken the community. The latest attack, which occurred under the cover of darkness, marks the third such incident in just one week, bringing the total number of kidnapped individuals in the area to eight—including a traditional ruler seized in a previous assault.
Locals say the gunmen stormed the area armed and unchallenged, targeting specific homes and forcibly whisking away their victims. This rapid succession of abductions has left residents fearing for their lives and questioning the capacity of security operatives to safeguard lives and property.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command stated that tactical teams have been deployed and that coordinated rescue efforts are ongoing. “We are doing everything within our power to ensure the safe return of all kidnapped persons. We call on the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies,” a police spokesperson said.
The spate of abductions underscores the urgent need for improved security architecture and intelligence-sharing mechanisms, particularly in vulnerable rural communities. As the state government and federal authorities come under increasing pressure to act decisively, the people of Yagba West can only hope that their cries for help will not fall on deaf ears.