Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Nigerian Army's 12 Brigade, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have rescued one of the victims abducted during a brazen kidnapping operation in the Isaba axis of Odo-Ere, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. The rescued victim, identified as Baba Lara, was freed on Thursday night, August 6, 2026, following a swift follow-up operation launched immediately after the abduction. However, his two children, Sunday and Lara, remain in the custody of the kidnappers as security operatives continue a desperate search through the surrounding bush.
The abduction occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, near the Library area in the Isaba axis of Odo-Ere. According to eyewitness accounts, the armed bandits carried out the operation quietly, without firing any gunshots, before taking the victims away. The incident marked the second abduction in Yagba West within the week, following the Oke-Ere kidnapping on Sunday, August 2, 2026. Residents said the same location has now been targeted by kidnappers for the second time, raising fresh concerns over security in the area.
Security operatives and local vigilantes are currently combing the surrounding bush in an ongoing effort to rescue the two children still in captivity. The rescue operation remains ongoing, with security personnel expressing optimism that the remaining victims will also be rescued. The Nigerian Army's 12 Brigade has been at the forefront of counter-kidnapping operations in Kogi State, with troops conducting sustained offensive operations against terrorist enclaves within forested areas around the Lokoja axis. In June 2026, troops of the 12 Brigade rescued five kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by fleeing bandits during sustained counter-terrorism operations in Kogi State's forests.
The Kogi State Government has repeatedly condemned the wave of abductions in Yagba West and other parts of the state, vowing to hunt down criminals and rule out ransom payments. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has received rescued kidnap victims at the Government House in Lokoja and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to protecting lives and property. The recurring attacks have left residents of Odo-Ere and surrounding communities in a state of constant fear, with many calling on the government to take decisive action to address the security crisis. As the search for Sunday and Lara continues, the community of Odo-Ere is left to pray for the safe return of the two children who remain in the hands of their abductors.
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