Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Carmen Diego
Residents of Ogbe community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State say fear has gripped their town following reports that armed bandits have established a presence inside the nearby Ogbe forest. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the assailants, described as heavily armed with sophisticated weapons, have been moving through surrounding bushes with little resistance, raising concerns about an impending surge in kidnappings and violent attacks.
Community members allege that the suspected bandits are using the dense forest terrain as a base for operations, from which they reportedly monitor movement along rural paths and nearby settlements. The forested belt around Ogbe connects to several agrarian communities, making it strategically significant for both farming activities and inter-town movement. Residents say the situation has disrupted daily routines, particularly for farmers who depend on access to fields located near wooded areas.
Sources within the community confirmed that neighboring towns, including Koro, Irele, and Oke-Agon, have experienced a string of abductions in recent weeks. These communities share boundaries with Ogbe and are linked by rural roads and footpaths that pass through sparsely policed zones. The proximity of these settlements has intensified anxiety among Ogbe residents, who fear the violence could escalate further without immediate intervention.
The latest reported attack in the broader area occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026, when three farmers were allegedly killed between Koro and Egbe. Local accounts indicate that the victims were working on their farms when they were ambushed. While details remain limited, residents described the incident as part of a pattern of attacks targeting individuals engaged in agricultural activities in remote areas.
Community leaders in Ogbe have publicly appealed to the Kogi State Government to deploy military personnel to the town and its surrounding forests. They argue that local security arrangements, including vigilante groups and conventional police patrols, are insufficient to confront armed groups reportedly equipped with advanced firearms. According to some residents, the visible presence of soldiers would serve both as a deterrent and as reassurance to civilians who feel increasingly exposed.
Yagba West Local Government Area has historically been regarded as relatively calm compared to some other parts of north-central Nigeria. However, recent developments suggest that armed criminal groups may be shifting operations across state lines and exploiting forest corridors that offer concealment and mobility. Security analysts note that forested regions in several Nigerian states have been used by armed groups as temporary camps or transit routes, complicating coordinated response efforts.
Residents described a climate of heightened vigilance in Ogbe. Some families have reportedly restricted movement after dusk, while farmers are reconsidering whether to cultivate distant plots. Informal neighborhood patrols have been strengthened, but locals concede that lightly equipped community volunteers cannot match the firepower allegedly displayed by the bandits.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the Kogi State Government or confirmation from security agencies regarding the alleged occupation of Ogbe forest. The absence of an immediate public response has further fueled speculation and unease among residents. Community representatives say they have formally communicated their concerns through local authorities and are awaiting action.
The economic implications of prolonged insecurity are also becoming apparent. Agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood in Yagba West, and disruptions to farming activities threaten both household incomes and food supply chains within the region. Market traders report that uncertainty has begun to affect produce movement between communities, with transporters expressing reluctance to traverse isolated routes.
Local observers emphasize that the challenge requires coordinated action involving state and federal security agencies. They argue that forest surveillance, intelligence gathering, and sustained patrol operations would be necessary to prevent the consolidation of any armed encampment. In addition, community engagement is seen as critical in distinguishing between rumor and verified threat, ensuring that security responses are proportionate and evidence-based.
Despite the tension, community leaders are urging residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate the situation. They stress the importance of cooperation with lawful authorities and the need to share credible information rather than unverified claims.
For now, Ogbe community remains on edge. The reported presence of armed men in the surrounding forest has altered daily life and heightened calls for decisive intervention. Whether authorities will respond with military deployment or alternative security measures remains to be seen, but residents say the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated as fears of further kidnappings and attacks continue to mount.
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