Bandit Attack in Odo-Ere Leaves Community in Fear as Four Abducted, Others Feared Missing

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa

Fresh details have emerged from a violent attack carried out by armed bandits in the town of Odo-Ere, headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, on the evening of Sunday, December 28, 2025, plunging the community into fear and uncertainty and further underscoring deepening insecurity in the area. Local sources confirmed that at least four persons were abducted during the incident, while residents continue to express concern that the number of victims may be higher as families and neighbours struggle to account for missing persons.

Those confirmed abducted have been identified as Engr. Shina Ajere, Mr. Kehinde Afolabi, Damiola Ogun, and a woman popularly known within the community as Iya Lara. The victims are described by residents as well-known figures in Odo-Ere, adding to the shock and emotional weight of the incident. According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers struck in the evening hours, when many residents were winding down for the day, creating maximum panic and confusion.

Residents reported that heavy gunfire echoed across several parts of the town during the attack, sending people scrambling for safety. Many locked themselves indoors, while others fled into nearby bushes under the cover of darkness. The sound of gunshots, witnesses said, lasted for an extended period, reinforcing fears that the attackers operated with little resistance and moved freely within the community. By the time calm gradually returned, several people were already unaccounted for.

Community members said the abductions appeared coordinated, suggesting that the attackers had specific targets or at least sufficient knowledge of the terrain and local movement patterns. Some residents claimed the gunmen moved from one location to another, firing sporadically to instil fear and discourage resistance. Although details remain sketchy, there are growing fears that additional residents may have been kidnapped, as families continue checking on relatives and neighbours who have not been seen since the incident.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies are yet to issue an official statement confirming the attack or providing details on response efforts. The absence of immediate official communication has further heightened anxiety among residents, many of whom say they feel increasingly vulnerable and abandoned. Community leaders have reportedly begun reaching out to local authorities and security formations, urging swift action to rescue the abducted victims and prevent further attacks.

The attack has left Odo-Ere in a state of palpable tension. Streets that are usually busy in the evenings were largely deserted in the aftermath, with businesses shutting early and movement restricted to essentials. Residents say the psychological impact has been severe, especially for women, children and the elderly, who remain fearful of further violence. Many families spent the night awake, listening anxiously for unusual sounds and checking repeatedly on loved ones.

This latest incident adds to growing concerns over worsening insecurity in Yagba West Local Government Area and neighbouring communities. In recent months, residents have complained of an increase in bandit activity, including kidnappings, armed robberies and attacks on travellers along key routes. While Odo-Ere has previously experienced security challenges, locals say the frequency and boldness of attacks appear to be escalating, with criminal elements operating with increasing confidence.

Community leaders and residents argue that the attack reflects longstanding gaps in security coverage across rural parts of the local government area. They point to limited patrols, poor road access and slow response times as factors that embolden armed groups. Some residents also fear that the attackers may be exploiting forested areas around the town as hideouts, making it difficult for security forces to track and confront them effectively.

The abduction of individuals known to the community has sparked renewed calls for urgent intervention by both state and federal authorities. Residents are demanding a sustained security presence, rather than sporadic patrols that offer only temporary reassurance. They argue that without consistent deployment of security personnel and improved intelligence gathering, communities like Odo-Ere will remain easy targets for armed groups seeking ransom payments.

Local voices have also stressed the economic toll of repeated attacks. Fear of violence has disrupted farming, trading and transport, key activities that sustain livelihoods in the area. Farmers are increasingly reluctant to travel to distant farms, while traders complain of declining patronage as people limit movement. The cumulative effect, residents say, is deepening hardship in a region already grappling with economic pressures.

As families of the abducted victims wait anxiously for news, there are growing concerns about their safety and wellbeing. In previous incidents across the region, kidnappings have often been followed by ransom demands, placing enormous financial and emotional strain on families. At the time of reporting, it was not clear whether the abductors had made contact or issued any demands, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the fate of those taken.

The silence from security agencies has also prompted speculation and rumours, some of which have further unsettled residents. Community leaders have urged calm, advising people to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could heighten panic. Nonetheless, the lack of clear updates has left many feeling exposed and frustrated.

Observers note that the attack in Odo-Ere reflects a broader national challenge, as communities across different regions continue to face threats from banditry and organised criminal groups. Despite repeated assurances by authorities, many rural communities argue that security measures have not kept pace with the evolving tactics of armed groups. Analysts say restoring confidence will require not only rapid response to incidents but also long-term strategies that address both security and underlying socio-economic drivers of crime.

For now, Odo-Ere remains on edge. Residents say they are bracing for the possibility of further attacks while hoping for swift action that could lead to the safe return of the abducted victims. Community members have also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups to lend their voices to the demand for protection and justice.

As efforts continue to account for missing persons and gather more details, the attack stands as another grim reminder of the challenges facing communities in Yagba West Local Government Area. Many residents say they will continue to live in fear unless decisive steps are taken to restore security and reassure the population. More updates are expected as the situation develops and authorities respond to the unfolding crisis.

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