ISANLU, Kogi State, Nigeria — Six months after the abduction of Mr. Dada Babatege, popularly known in his community as “Old Soldier,” his whereabouts remain unknown, with family members and residents of Isanlu in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State expressing growing concern over his continued disappearance.
Mr. Babatege was abducted on December 12, 2025, from his farm located behind St. Kizito’s College in Isanlu. According to eyewitness accounts, armed men suspected to be bandits reportedly stormed the area in broad daylight and forcefully took him away into nearby bushes, leaving residents in shock and fear.
Since the incident, family members, friends, and members of the wider Isanlu community have continued efforts to secure his release, but no confirmed information has emerged regarding his current condition or exact location.
In a development earlier reported on January 12, 2026, local news platform Isanlu Rising News, citing Egbe Mekun Parrot, stated that the abductors allegedly collected ₦6 million as ransom from Babatege’s family but failed to release him afterward.
Sources familiar with the case further alleged that after receiving the initial ransom, the kidnappers re-established contact with the family and reportedly demanded an additional ₦14 million alongside two Bajaj motorcycles as fresh conditions for his release. These claims, however, have not been independently confirmed by security authorities.
The prolonged disappearance of Babatege has intensified anxiety within Isanlu and surrounding communities, where concerns over kidnapping and rural insecurity have remained a major issue. Residents say the continued silence from the abductors and the absence of any verified update on the victim’s condition have deepened fears for his safety.
Family members have continued to appeal to security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward locating and rescuing him. Community leaders and concerned residents are also calling for stronger security presence around farming settlements and remote routes in Yagba East, where attacks by armed criminals have increasingly been reported.
As of the time of this report, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the Kogi State Government has issued a fresh public statement specifically updating the case of Dada Babatege.
The case has continued to draw attention across Kogi State, with many residents urging swift intervention to ensure Babatege’s safe return and to address the broader security challenges affecting rural communities in the region.
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