Gunmen Abduct Councillor and Eight Others in Kogi

Gunmen abducted nine individuals, including a newly elected councillor, in the Odo-Ape community of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, on Tuesday night. This attack occurred just a week after three people, including an 8-year-old boy, were kidnapped from the same area. Among those taken was Hon. Alaba Ope, the councillor representing Odo-Ape ward in the Kabba-Bunu Legislative Council. The gunmen raided homes around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, firing sporadically before selecting their victims. A community source reported that Odo-Ape residents are living in fear, unsure of who might be targeted next. Seven of the kidnapped individuals were local residents (five Gwaris and two Bassa), with only the councillor being an indigene of Odo-Ape. Additionally, a person named Silas was abducted from Agbadu, a neighboring community. This latest abduction follows several others in the area, including the kidnapping of two brothers on their family land in Aluju, Kakun, and the earlier abduction of three people from Odo-Ape, all of whom are still held captive. While Kogi’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Anya, has not yet responded to inquiries, a high-ranking security official confirmed the incident. The state security services have reportedly launched an investigation and assured the public that they are actively addressing the situation, urging residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities without excessive fear.