Gunmen have once again attacked Okoloke, a farming community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting four individuals in the early hours of Tuesday. This marks the third such incident in the area within the past week.
Local sources confirmed that the armed men stormed the residence of a prominent retiree, Pa Ezekiel Durojaiye, in the neighbouring village of Okunran. The attackers reportedly forced their way into his home and took him alongside three others at gunpoint before escaping into the bush.
The incident has triggered widespread fear among residents, compounding concerns over the community’s deteriorating security situation.
Just days earlier, the traditional ruler of the village, Oba James Dada Ogunyamda, was abducted from his palace. That incident was followed by the kidnapping of two vigilante members and one other individual, bringing the total number of victims from the area to eight within seven days.
The abductors of the 90-year-old monarch are said to have initially demanded a ransom of ₦100 million, later reducing the figure to ₦50 million. His family has appealed to the government, civil society groups, and members of the public to support efforts to secure his release.
Despite reassurances from Yagba West Local Government Chairman, Tosin Olokun, and the Kogi State Police Command, no breakthrough has yet been recorded in rescuing the recent victims.
On Monday, however, the Kogi State Police Command confirmed a successful rescue operation in the Ankomi Forest involving its operatives, the Nigerian Army, and Fulani vigilantes.
Police spokesperson William Aya stated that three kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt during a gun battle between the joint security team and the kidnappers.
“The criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the operatives, abandoned their captives and fled into the bush with gunshot injuries,” Aya said.
Authorities say operations are still ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and to rescue other victims, including the abducted monarch.
