Abduction Ring Continues to Haunt Kogi State: Nine More Victims Kidnapped in Odo-Ape Community
Yet another chilling incident of kidnapping has struck the Odo-Ape community in the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, as unidentified attackers whisked away at least nine people from their homes in the dead of night. This latest abduction follows a string of similar incidents in the area, leaving residents gripped with fear.
Among those taken from their homes, is Hon. Alaba Ope, the newly elected councillor for the Odo-Ape ward in the Kabba-Bunu Legislative Council. The councilor was among eight others, including five Gwaris and two Bassa, who were kidnapped from their residences. A local source revealed that the attackers arrived at around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, firing indiscriminately as they selected their targets.
The residents of Odo-Ape are now living in the grip of uncertainty, wondering who might be the next to be taken, given the recent spate of kidnappings in the area. This includes the earlier incident involving three individuals, including an eight-year-old boy, who are still being held by their captors.
Meanwhile, a separate individual, Silas, was arrested in Agbadu, a neighboring community. He has been taken into custody alongside the other kidnapping victims.
A source close to the security agencies has revealed that there has been a significant surge in kidnapping cases in the local government area. This includes the abduction of two brothers on their family land in Aluju, Kakun, and another incident involving the kidnapping of three individuals, including an 8-year-old boy, in the Odo-Ape community just last week, all of whom remain in the custody of their captors.
The Kogi State Police and government have acknowledged the situation, with a senior security official confirming that the state security forces have launched an investigation and will provide updates as and when necessary. He has also reassured the public that the government is actively addressing the issue and urging residents to resume their daily activities with minimal fear.
