Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Tension continues to grip Egbe town in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State following a rise in kidnapping incidents that have left the community anxious and on high alert. For more than a week, Kolawole Solomon Daramola, a respected resident, has been held by armed bandits who abducted him while he was traveling along a rural route connecting Egbe to nearby villages. The captors have demanded a ransom of ₦10 million for his release, heightening fear and prompting urgent calls for intervention from both state and federal authorities.
Eyewitnesses reported that Daramola was ambushed while returning home after completing errands in a neighboring town. The attackers, heavily armed, blocked his path and forcibly seized him before retreating into the forested areas that border the community. His vehicle was later found abandoned near the scene of the attack. Shortly after the abduction, the family received a phone call from the kidnappers specifying the ransom demand and warning that harm would come to Daramola if it was not met. The communication triggered immediate concern among relatives and the wider community.
Local youth groups, vigilante members, and community volunteers quickly mobilized to search bush paths and rural tracks, but the initial efforts did not lead to his rescue. Residents have expressed deep frustration over the ongoing insecurity, noting that it disrupts daily life, commerce, and access to education. Many families are reportedly keeping children at home due to fear of traveling on unsafe roads, while farmers have abandoned farmlands because of the threat of attacks.
Community leaders and elders have strongly condemned the abduction and appealed to state and federal authorities to strengthen security presence in the area. During gatherings and prayer meetings, they emphasized the urgent need for government action, noting that repeated kidnappings have eroded trust and left residents feeling vulnerable. They also urged the public to cooperate with security personnel and report suspicious movements to avoid further incidents.
The governor of Kogi State confirmed that security agencies, including the police and the Nigerian Army, were aware of the situation and were coordinating efforts to secure Daramola’s release. Officials pledged to pursue the kidnappers and ensure they face the full weight of the law. Analysts noted that the dense vegetation and rugged terrain around Egbe provide hiding spots that complicate rescue operations, making intelligence gathering and community cooperation essential for success.
The abduction highlights a broader security challenge affecting Yagba West and neighboring communities. Kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly common, with multiple incidents reported along rural highways and within villages. Residents describe attackers as heavily armed and organized, often exploiting weak security coverage and the relative isolation of rural communities.
Human rights organizations have condemned the rise in kidnappings, stressing that citizens have a right to safety and freedom of movement. They called for transparent investigations and coordinated security measures to prevent future abductions and ensure communities are protected.
Families in Egbe have expressed anxiety over slow response times and limited patrols, which they fear embolden criminal elements. Negotiations with kidnappers have been challenging, with sporadic communications heightening uncertainty and fear. Community prayer sessions, solidarity efforts, and vigilante patrols have become daily fixtures as residents hope for a swift and safe resolution.
Security experts warn that the situation in Egbe reflects a larger trend in central Nigeria, where rural areas with limited state presence are vulnerable to armed banditry. Criminal networks exploit poor infrastructure, remote forested areas, and weak law enforcement to carry out abductions and attacks. Analysts emphasize the importance of intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and long-term strategies to address the root causes of insecurity.
For the people of Egbe, the week-long captivity of Kolawole Solomon Daramola is a stark reminder of the dangers that persist in their community. Residents remain on high alert, hoping that reinforced security measures, coordinated rescue operations, and ongoing negotiations will soon bring an end to his ordeal and restore safety and normalcy to the area.
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