Coordinated Bandit Assault in Ihale-Bunu Sparks Fear and Abductions in Kogi State
Ihale-Bunu, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State — Fear gripped the Ihale-Bunu community on Wednesday afternoon, January 21, 2026, as armed bandits launched a well-coordinated attack that saw at least two prominent community figures abducted and residents left in panic amid mounting insecurity.
According to multiple local sources, the assailants struck around 4:00 p.m., descending on the community in large numbers on more than 20 motorcycles. Witnesses described the gunmen as heavily armed and moving swiftly through residential areas, overwhelming inhabitants who were unable to mount resistance. The attackers were reported to have fled quickly after seizing their victims, leaving behind a traumatised population.
Among those abducted were Chief Samuel Fagbemi, believed to be about 100 years old, and Chief Zacheus Sunday Fagbemi, approximately 50 years of age and recognised as a member of the Kogi State Vigilante Service. Community insiders confirmed that both men were taken to an undisclosed location, and their precise whereabouts remain unknown, compounding fears among relatives and neighbours.
The brazen nature of the assault has reignited anxieties in Ihale-Bunu and neighbouring communities, highlighting the persistence of banditry in parts of Kogi State. Although separate earlier attacks in the Kabba/Bunu area have been reported in recent weeks and months, including abductions and killings in other villages around the LGA, there have been no immediate official confirmations linking those incidents directly to this latest attack. Experts say the broader pattern of violence reflects a surge in bandit activity across central and northern Nigeria, where criminal gangs frequently exploit rural areas with limited security presence.
Residents lamented the absence of security personnel during Wednesday’s raid, noting that no timely police or military response was available to repel the attackers or pursue them after the abductions. The lack of an immediate security presence in the village has been a continuous source of grievance for locals, who say previous warnings about vulnerability went unheeded. Without visible protection, communities like Ihale-Bunu remain susceptible to repeat incursions, particularly in the late afternoon when bandit groups have frequently struck in earlier episodes.
Calls for urgent intervention have intensified following the assault. Community leaders and residents are urging state authorities and federal security agencies to prioritise the deployment of troops or specialised units capable of responding swiftly to such attacks. They argue that the rapid movement and coordination exhibited by the assailants indicate an organised threat that requires a proactive security strategy, not just reactive measures after violence has already occurred.
The unfolding situation in Ihale-Bunu adds to long-standing concerns about insecurity in segments of Kogi State, particularly within the Kabba/Bunu corridor, where prior incidents of kidnappings, attacks on worshippers, and fatalities have been documented. In December, separate communities in the same LGA experienced heavy attacks that resulted in multiple abductions, prompting local government officials to vow intensified efforts against criminal gangs and to protect vulnerable populations.
Kogi State authorities have, on earlier occasions, condemned such violence and described coordinated local responses with security agencies to track and apprehend perpetrators. However, residents argue that existing efforts have not been sufficient to deter fresh attacks or reassure citizens living in frontier settlements. Traditional leaders, vigilante groups, and families face growing frustration over the persistent insecurity, which has disrupted farming, education, trade, and daily life in rural enclaves.
In addition to security concerns, the psychological toll of repeated banditry is evident. Families of the abducted chiefs and other villagers spoke of sleepless nights, fear of further violence, and an urgent desire for information on the fate of their loved ones. Those close to Chief Samuel Fagbemi, a respected elder, have especially expressed alarm over his abduction given his advanced age, while supporters of Chief Zacheus Sunday Fagbemi say they are concerned for his safety due to his role in community security matters.
Human rights advocates and civil society groups have also weighed in, calling on the government to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter banditry that goes beyond temporary tactical responses. They argue this must include community engagement, intelligence sharing, increased patrols, and strengthened emergency response mechanisms to ensure better protection for rural populations.
While there has been reported progress against bandit networks in other parts of Nigeria — including military operations that have led to the rescue of hostages and the neutralisation of some armed groups — insecurity continues to spread in various central states. National authorities, civil society and international partners have highlighted the need for sustained, multi-layered approaches that integrate security, economic development, and social support for affected communities.
For now, the people of Ihale-Bunu await news on the fate of the abducted chiefs and the arrival of reinforcements. The absence of clear information on their condition, or on pursuits by security forces, has left the community in fear and uncertainty. Without decisive action to stem these incursions, many fear that such attacks will continue unabated, threatening lives, livelihoods, and the fabric of rural society in Kogi State and beyond.
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