Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Mr. AB Adebayo, popularly known as Kemuna, and his pregnant wife have now spent four agonising months in the hands of kidnappers after they were abducted from their home in Iluke Bunu, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, in May 2026. The abduction occurred in the same community where the Nigerian Army later foiled an attempted mass abduction of WAEC students on June 10, 2026, underscoring the escalating security crisis that has gripped the region. Since their disappearance, family members and concerned residents have continued to appeal to the Kogi State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing their safe return.
The couple was reportedly kidnapped from their residence in the Oke Bukun area of Iluke in the dead of night at about 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, according to multiple reports. The gunmen, who invaded the community, whisked away Adebayo, a community health worker popularly called 'Dr. Ebi (omo Kemuna)', and his wife, carrying them on motorcycles while sporadically releasing bullets as they escaped from the town. The abduction was one of several security breaches that have plagued the Bunu district in recent times. In the weeks before the attack, gunmen had operated on the Iluke to Oferre road, shot randomly, and kidnapped a commercial driver, demanding a N50 million ransom for his release. Additionally, on April 16, 2026, gunmen abducted two wives, two children, and an aide of 'Prof. Wonder,' the paramount ruler of Odai, a community close to Iluke, demanding N150 million for their freedom.
In June 2026, suspected bandits released a disturbing video showing Adebayo being brutally assaulted while pleading for his life and the payment of ransom. In the video, which circulated widely on social media, the victim was seen on the ground as his captors repeatedly beat him with sticks. Throughout the ordeal, he desperately appealed for mercy, assuring them that his family would send the money they were demanding. Speaking in Hausa, Adebayo could be heard saying, "Don Allah, za turo kudi," which translates to, "Please, for God's sake, they will send the money." Despite his repeated pleas, one of the armed men, who was carrying an AK-47 rifle, continued to assault him while others stood nearby. The video sparked outrage and deep concern over the worsening insecurity in parts of Kogi State, where residents have repeatedly complained about cases of kidnapping and attacks by armed groups.
The Iluke Bunu community has been a hotspot for criminal activity. On June 10, 2026, just weeks after Adebayo's abduction, armed men disguised in military uniforms attacked Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, where students were sitting for their WAEC English Language examination. The attackers killed the Vice Principal, Mr. Gani, and two others in an apparent attempt to carry out a mass abduction of students. Security operatives, however, foiled the attempted mass abduction, but the incident further heightened fears in the community.
As of Friday, August 7, 2026, the family of AB Adebayo and his pregnant wife remain in agonising suspense, with no official update on their condition or whether efforts are ongoing to secure their release. The family is urging authorities to take urgent steps to ensure the release of the couple and reunite them with their loved ones. The Kogi State Government has previously condemned the wave of abductions in the state and pledged to strengthen security, but the persistence of such incidents has left residents questioning the effectiveness of the state's security architecture. For the family of AB Adebayo, the four months of captivity have been an eternity of pain and uncertainty, and they are now making a desperate appeal to the government and security agencies to act before it is too late.
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