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Late-Night Kidnapping Sparks Fear in Zango Community, Kogi State
In the early hours of Friday, January 9, 2026, the tranquil Zone 12 area of Zango community, situated within Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, was violently disrupted by an armed group suspected to be bandits. This community is part of the larger Lokoja metropolitan area, the administrative heart of Kogi State.
Chronology of the Incident and Immediate Reactions
Residents described the harrowing event as a sudden eruption of terror that engulfed the neighborhood. During the assault, four individuals from a single family, including women and young children, were forcibly taken. The community remained on edge throughout the night, with many unable to find rest due to the looming threat.
One local witness shared, “The entire area felt like it was under lockdown. Although security forces eventually arrived, their delayed response allowed the kidnappers to escape with their hostages into the surrounding wilderness.”
Security Operations and Partial Rescue
Thanks to swift action by local security personnel, two of the abducted victims-a senior woman and a toddler-were found abandoned in a nearby forested area the next morning and were safely recovered. Authorities have since intensified their search efforts, launching a comprehensive manhunt to locate the remaining captives and apprehend the perpetrators.
Discrepancies in Victim Identification
Conflicting eyewitness testimonies have emerged regarding the identities of those kidnapped. Some accounts mention a mother and her child, while others refer to a father and son as the victims. The abduction reportedly took place at a newly built home within the community, heightening residents’ anxiety and sense of vulnerability.
Security Landscape and Rising Threats in Kogi State
This episode underscores the persistent security vulnerabilities confronting Kogi State and Nigeria at large. According to the Nigerian Police Force, kidnappings nationwide surged by approximately 15% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting a troubling trend. Strengthening community policing initiatives and enhancing rapid response mechanisms remain vital strategies in combating these escalating crimes.
Community Aftermath and Urgent Security Appeals
The traumatic ordeal has left the Zango community deeply unsettled, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced security measures and infrastructure. Residents are actively urging government officials and security agencies to increase patrol frequency and implement intelligence-driven operations to deter future attacks and protect vulnerable groups.
