Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Egbe, a key town in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, was thrown into early-morning anxiety on Monday, February 9, 2026, following reports that three armed bandits were sighted around a sawmill at the outskirts of the community. The development has renewed concerns about the spread of rural insecurity into parts of Kogi West that have largely been regarded as relatively calm compared to other regions of the state.
According to multiple community sources, the suspected bandits were spotted at about dawn near a sawmill owned by a man identified simply as Babangida. The facility is located at the extreme end of Egbe town along the Okunran–Okoloke Road, a stretch described by residents as sparsely populated and surrounded by farmlands and bush paths that could provide cover for criminal elements.
The sighting reportedly coincided with an attempted abduction of a local farmer who was heading to his farmland in the early hours of the day. The farmer, whose name was not immediately disclosed, managed to escape from his assailants, thwarting what residents believe could have been a successful kidnapping if not for his quick response and familiarity with the terrain.
After reaching safety, the farmer alerted members of the community and provided details of the encounter. He confirmed that the attackers were three in number and that they were armed with locally fabricated firearms rather than military-grade weapons such as AK-47 rifles. This detail has circulated widely within the community, shaping both relief and concern among residents—relief that the attackers were not heavily armed, and concern that criminal activity is nonetheless encroaching into the area.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the suspects fled the scene shortly after the failed attempt, possibly retreating into nearby bush paths. No injuries were reported, and there was no immediate confrontation with security operatives at the time of the incident. However, the mere presence of armed men has unsettled Egbe and neighboring settlements, particularly given the growing pattern of rural kidnappings across parts of north-central and north-western Nigeria.
Egbe, one of the largest towns in Yagba West, serves as a commercial and agricultural hub for surrounding villages. The Okunran–Okoloke axis, while vital for farming and timber-related activities, has long been identified by locals as vulnerable due to limited security presence and its proximity to forested areas that can be exploited by criminal groups. Residents say the latest incident reinforces long-standing calls for increased patrols and surveillance along rural roads and farm routes.
Community leaders and youth groups have since urged residents to heighten vigilance, especially during early morning and late evening hours when movement is typically low. Farmers have been advised to avoid going to their fields alone, while residents living near the outskirts of the town are being encouraged to promptly report unfamiliar faces or suspicious movements to local vigilante groups and formal security agencies.
The incident has also revived discussions around the evolving tactics of criminal groups operating in rural Nigeria. While large-scale bandit attacks often involve sophisticated weapons and motorcycles, smaller groups armed with locally made guns have increasingly been linked to opportunistic crimes such as farm kidnappings, ambushes on isolated roads, and intimidation of villagers. Security analysts note that such groups may operate independently or serve as reconnaissance units for larger criminal networks.
Although there has been no official statement from the Kogi State Police Command as of the time of reporting, residents say local security operatives and community vigilantes have been informed. Informal patrols were reportedly intensified in Egbe shortly after the alert, with volunteers monitoring key entry and exit points of the town. Calls have also been made for security agencies to comb surrounding bush areas to prevent a repeat incident.
Kogi State, often described as a gateway between Nigeria’s north and south, has in recent years faced complex security challenges ranging from highway robberies to kidnappings and armed attacks in rural communities. While some parts of the state have experienced sustained military and police operations, residents of Kogi West have frequently expressed concern that emerging threats are not receiving adequate preventive attention until incidents occur.
The foiled abduction in Egbe comes amid broader national anxiety over rural insecurity, particularly attacks on farmers. Such incidents have had far-reaching implications, including disruptions to agricultural activities, displacement of rural populations, and rising food insecurity. Farmers in Yagba West say fear of attack could discourage early-morning farm work, which is critical during planting and harvesting seasons.
Local opinion leaders argue that beyond reactive measures, there is a need for sustained intelligence gathering, improved communication between communities and security agencies, and investment in rural policing infrastructure. Some residents have also renewed calls for better road access and lighting along isolated routes, which they believe would reduce the ease with which criminals operate unseen.
As of Monday afternoon, calm was said to have returned to Egbe, though tension remained palpable. Many residents reported keeping their children indoors and restricting non-essential movement, particularly toward the outskirts of town. Community meetings were reportedly being planned to coordinate information sharing and reinforce neighborhood watch arrangements.
While the escape of the farmer is being viewed as a fortunate outcome, residents insist that the incident should serve as a warning. They stress that without proactive intervention, what began as a failed kidnapping attempt could escalate into more frequent and violent attacks.
For now, Egbe and surrounding communities remain on alert, hoping that timely action by security authorities will prevent the area from becoming a new hotspot for bandit activity. The incident underscores the fragile nature of security in many rural parts of the country and the growing urgency for comprehensive, community-centered approaches to crime prevention.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments