Several people have reportedly been abducted following a renewed attack by armed assailants along the Omi-Odo Ara Road in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, according to local sources, although the exact number and identities of those taken have yet to be confirmed.
Residents said security agencies have been notified, while people in surrounding communities have been advised to remain vigilant, restrict movement, and promptly report any suspicious activities.
The latest abductions come amid growing insecurity in the area. Just days earlier, tension reportedly spread across Odo-Ere community after gunmen carried out a coordinated night attack that led to the kidnapping of at least four residents.
Those earlier abducted were identified as Engr. Shina Ajere, Kehinde Afolabi, Damilola Ogun, and a woman popularly known as Iya Lara.
Witnesses said the attackers, believed to be heavily armed, moved from house to house while firing sporadically, creating panic among residents. The total number of victims from the attack remains uncertain, raising fears that more people may have been taken.
According to a local community platform, Egbe Mekun, the assailants also targeted another apartment in the area. The building reportedly had visible bullet marks, although the attackers failed to gain entry.
Residents described the attack as frightening, with gunshots echoing across the community late into the night.
Community leaders and residents have since called on security agencies and the Kogi State Government to urgently deploy additional personnel to the affected areas and intensify efforts to rescue those abducted.
Yagba West and neighbouring communities have experienced repeated attacks in recent times, heightening concerns about worsening insecurity and the safety of rural settlements in Kogi State.
In a related incident, a pastor of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel) was reportedly kidnapped while heading to his farm in Okoro Gbedde, Ijumu Local Government Area. The cleric was later released unharmed and found in Aiyetoro Gbedde, with community sources claiming no ransom was paid for his freedom.
