Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Two wives and three children of the traditional ruler of Odae Bunu community, a village near Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, have now spent nearly four months in captivity, despite the payment of ₦25 million in ransom by their family. The victims were abducted on April 13, 2026, and have remained in the hands of their captors ever since, with the kidnappers reneging on their promise to release them and instead demanding additional payment, according to sources available to Stone Reporters on the evening of Friday, August 7, 2026.
The abduction of the royal family members is one of the most high-profile kidnapping cases in Kogi State in 2026, and it has exposed the growing sophistication of criminal networks operating in the region. According to sources familiar with the incident, the abductors initially demanded a staggering N500 million ransom for the release of the victims, four of whom are members of a royal family in the community. The family and community members pooled resources to raise the money, hoping it would secure the release of their loved ones. However, the kidnappers took the money and refused to free the victims, insisting on more funds.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Stone Reporters: "We are in a state of despair. The family paid ₦25 million, but the kidnappers are still holding them and asking for more. We are appealing to Governor Ododo to intervene before it is too late. These are innocent women and children who have been through unimaginable trauma."
The traditional ruler, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, has been left in anguish as his family members remain in the hands of the kidnappers. The victims include his two wives and three children, whose ages have not been disclosed. The family has called on the Kogi State Government and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to assist in securing the release of the victims, stating that their condition has become a matter of life and death.
The same kidnapping group is also responsible for the abduction of Mr. AB Adebayo, popularly known as Kemuna, and his pregnant wife, who were taken from Iluke Bunu in May 2026. They have also remained in captivity for about three months. The family of Mr. Adebayo had earlier released a disturbing video showing him being brutally assaulted by his captors while pleading for his life and the payment of ransom.
Residents of Odae Bunu and surrounding communities are appealing to security agencies to intensify efforts toward rescuing the victims and ensuring their safe return. The community has been living in fear, with many farmers abandoning their farmlands over fears of attacks and abductions. "This is not just about one family. The entire community is suffering. People are afraid to go to their farms. We need the government to step in and restore security," a resident said.
The Odae Bunu abduction is one of several high-profile kidnapping cases in Kogi State in 2026. In June 2026, the Nigerian Army foiled an attempted mass abduction of WAEC students at Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, killing two of the abductors and rescuing several students. In July 2026, bandits abducted four residents in Oke-Ere community in Yagba West LGA, though they were later rescued following a joint operation by local vigilantes and the Nigerian Army.
The Kogi State Government has repeatedly condemned the wave of abductions and pledged to strengthen security, but the persistence of such incidents has left residents questioning the effectiveness of the state's security architecture. Governor Ododo has previously ruled out ransom payments, insisting that the government would not negotiate with criminals. However, the family's appeal for intervention underscores the desperation of those who have been left to fend for themselves in the face of a security crisis that shows no signs of abating.
As of the time of this report, the Kogi State Police Command and the office of the Governor had not issued an official statement on the Odae Bunu abduction or the family's appeal. The fate of the two wives, three children, and Mr. Adebayo and his pregnant wife remains uncertain, and the families are left to pray for a miracle. For the people of Odae Bunu and Iluke Bunu, the abduction of their community members is a stark reminder of the fragility of their security and the urgent need for decisive action to end the scourge of kidnapping in Kogi State.
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