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Renewed Violence Rocks Kogi’s Yagba East: Multiple Abductions Reported
On Saturday afternoon, the tranquility of the Isanlu Makutu-Idofin corridor in Yagba East Local Government Area, Kogi State, was shattered by a sudden armed assault. Gunmen launched a violent raid that forced residents and travelers alike to flee in panic, leaving vehicles and homes deserted in their wake.
Chaos and Uncertainty Grip the Region
The attack unfolded abruptly, with eyewitnesses recounting a prolonged exchange of gunfire that echoed through the area before the assailants retreated into the surrounding forest. At the time of reporting, local officials have yet to confirm the exact number of individuals abducted, as communication from the affected communities remains limited. The incident has sparked widespread fear, prompting many inhabitants of neighboring villages to stay indoors and motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid the dangerous stretch.
Security Forces Mobilize Amid Rising Tensions
Authorities were promptly notified following the outbreak of violence, and security operatives are currently deploying to the scene to evaluate the situation and initiate search and rescue missions. This fresh attack comes on the heels of a recent spate of coordinated banditry across Kogi State’s highways, underscoring the persistent security challenges in the region.
Context: Recent Coordinated Attacks and Rescue Operations
Just days prior, on Thursday, a large-scale ambush targeted multiple vehicles along a busy central Kogi corridor, resulting in the deaths of two security personnel and the abduction of several passengers. A combined force comprising the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, the Quick Response Unit, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters successfully rescued 21 hostages, including women and a nine-day-old infant.
Details of the Thursday Ambush
The attackers struck around 2 p.m., targeting a convoy of vehicles including a Toyota Sienna en route from Oshogbo to Kaduna, two Toyota Hiace buses bound for Abuja and Ekiti, a Toyota Carina traveling from Lokoja to Kabba, a Dangote cement truck, and a J5 bus transporting pepper from Kano to Lagos. Passengers were forced to abandon their vehicles and seek refuge in nearby bushes as the gunmen attempted to seize them.
Successful Rescue Amid Casualties
Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed that the joint rescue operation engaged the bandits in a fierce firefight, ultimately securing the freedom of the abductees. The names of the rescued individuals, including Moses Oladimeji, Adele Jacob, Obed Onche, Babayemi Ajayi, Funmilayo Ajayi, Samuel Olawoyin, Samuel Job, Jemima Joseph, as well as the drivers of the truck and J5 bus, were later disclosed by officials.
Tragically, the operation was not without loss. A soldier stationed in the Oshokoshoko sector and a vigilante from the Odoape community lost their lives during the confrontation. Their identities remain undisclosed as investigations continue.
Ongoing Security Challenges in Kogi State
The recent surge in violent attacks highlights the escalating threat posed by armed groups in Kogi State, which has seen a 15% increase in banditry-related incidents over the past six months, according to the latest data from the Nigerian Security Tracker. These developments underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures and community engagement to restore safety and stability in the region.
Residents and travelers are advised to remain vigilant and heed security advisories while authorities intensify efforts to curb the menace of terrorism and abduction in Kogi State.
