Gunmen struck again in Odo-Ape, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting nine people late Tuesday night.
This attack follows closely on the heels of a similar incident last week, where three persons, including an eight-year-old boy, were kidnapped from the same community.
Among the victims is Hon. Alaba Ope, the newly elected councillor representing the Odo-Ape ward in the Kabba-Bunu Legislative Council. Sources say the councillor and the other eight victims were forcefully taken from their homes during the raid, which began at about 1 a.m. on Wednesday.
A community resident reported that the gunmen arrived, firing sporadically to instill fear before targeting their victims. Seven of those abducted are said to be non-indigenes residing in the community, while the councillor is the only local native among them. Another individual, identified as Silas, was kidnapped from Agbadu, a neighboring village.
Residents are now living in fear, uncertain about who might be targeted next. The community has called on security agencies and the state government to intervene urgently to ensure the release of the victims and restore safety in the area.
Recent incidents of kidnapping in the Kabba/Bunu LGA have raised alarms. Just last week, two brothers were kidnapped while working on their family land in Aluju, Kakun. Meanwhile, the three people abducted last week, including the eight-year-old boy from Odo-Ape, remain in captivity.
While the Kogi Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Anya, has not responded to inquiries, a senior government security official confirmed the incident. He stated that state security operatives have already initiated action and promised that their position on the matter would soon be made public.
The official reassured residents that the government is actively addressing the situation, urging them to continue their daily activities without undue fear.
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