Tragedy struck the quiet community of Odo-Ape in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State as gunmen abducted nine individuals, including a newly elected councillor, during a midnight raid on Tuesday.
The attackers, armed and firing sporadically, invaded the community around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, targeting residents in their homes. Among those kidnapped was Hon. Alaba Ope, the councillor representing Odo-Ape ward in the Kabba-Bunu Legislative Council.
A source from the community told PUNCH that the incident has left the residents terrified. “The people of Odo-Ape are now living in fear, not knowing who will be the next victim,” the source shared. This attack comes barely a week after three individuals, including an 8-year-old boy, were also kidnapped in the same area.
Of the nine abductees, seven are residents, identified as five Gwaris and two Bassas. The councillor is the only native of the community, while another victim, identified as Silas, was taken from the neighboring community of Agbadu, which borders Odo-Ape.
The recurring kidnappings in the area have created growing concerns. Just last week, two brothers were kidnapped while working on their family land in Aluju, and three others remain in captivity following their abduction in Odo-Ape.
While the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Anya, has yet to comment, a senior government security official confirmed the incident. “The state security team is already working on the case and will provide updates soon,” he told VANGUARD, urging residents to remain calm as efforts to rescue the victims are underway.
