Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A yet-to-be-identified pastor narrowly escaped an abduction attempt on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in the Odole area of Odo‑Eri community, Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi State, but a woman who was reportedly with him at the time remains unaccounted for. Community sources told local media that armed bandits stormed the area, targeting the clergyman, but the pastor managed to evade capture during the attack. The woman’s whereabouts are unknown, raising fears that she may have been taken by the assailants.
The exact number of victims involved in the incident has not been independently verified, and information surrounding the attack remains sketchy. As of the time of this report, no official statement has been issued by the Kogi State Police Command, and efforts are ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the situation.
This latest incident is part of a worrying pattern of violence in Yagba West, which has seen a series of attacks in recent weeks. On June 8, 2026, heavily armed bandits invaded Odo‑Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West, killing a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) identified as Mr. Ayo and abducting his daughter. The officer was shot in the head and later confirmed dead on arrival at a medical facility. The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Hon. Tosin Olokun, condemned the attack, describing it as “unfortunate and heartbreaking”.
The attacks have forced authorities to take drastic measures. Following the June 8 assault, the local government chairman imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew across the entire area to curb further violence. Security agencies have since intensified patrols, but residents remain on edge.
The latest abduction attempt coincides with a broader security crackdown by the Senate. On June 11, the Senate warned states to stop making peace deals with bandits, following a motion by Senator Sunday Karimi, who raised concerns over the resurgence of terrorist attacks in Kogi West Senatorial District.
As of press time, security agencies have not issued an official statement on the June 13 incident. Residents are urging state and federal authorities to deploy urgent intervention to restore calm and prevent further attacks. Search and rescue operations are expected to intensify as the community calls for swift action to secure the release of anyone who may still be in captivity.
This remains a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more verified information becomes available.
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