SaharaReporters reports that a violent attack occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
### Armed Attack Rocks Idofin Community in Kogi State
On the evening of January 3, 2026, insurgents launched a violent assault on the Idofin community, situated in the Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State. This brutal attack resulted in one fatality and left another individual critically injured.
According to SaharaReporters, the incident took place within a narrow timeframe between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The deceased has been identified as a member of the Tiv ethnic group, while the wounded victim was swiftly transported by military personnel to a confidential medical facility for emergency treatment, as reported by local news outlet Egbe Mekun.
### Official Silence and Rising Community Concerns
As of now, neither the Kogi State Government nor the Nigerian Police Force has issued any formal statements regarding the attack. This silence has only heightened the anxiety among residents of Yagba East, who are increasingly alarmed by the ongoing security challenges in their area. Community members are calling on state authorities and security agencies to bolster protective measures to prevent further violent incidents.
### Previous Kidnapping Tragedy in Kabba-Bunu Highlights Security Gaps
This recent violence echoes earlier distressing events in Kogi State. SaharaReporters previously covered a harrowing episode in the Ayetoro-Kiri community of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, where communal sorrow deepened after three abducted individuals died despite a significant ransom being paid through collective community efforts.
While kidnappers released seven captives, three succumbed to their injuries upon arrival at medical centers, and four others remain hospitalized in critical condition. Additionally, around 30 community members are still held hostage, with their whereabouts and wellbeing unknown.
### Community Outcry Over Government Response
David Ampitan, the spokesperson for the affected community, conveyed deep frustration to SaharaReporters. He criticized the authorities for allegedly targeting victims rather than taking decisive action to protect citizens, rescue hostages, or apprehend perpetrators. According to Ampitan, peaceful protests demanding security and justice were met with tear gas and arrests, actions reportedly orchestrated by the Kogi State Government through the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Chairman.
### The Imperative for Strengthened Security and Community Collaboration
These incidents underscore the critical need for enhanced security strategies and active community engagement to restore peace and stability in Kogi State’s vulnerable regions. With violent attacks and kidnappings on the rise, coordinated efforts between government agencies, security forces, and local communities are essential to safeguard lives and rebuild trust.
Recent data from the Nigerian Security Tracker indicates a 15% increase in violent incidents in the North-Central region over the past year, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these security challenges comprehensively.
