Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
YAGBA WEST, KOGI STATE — Armed bandits on Friday, January 9, 2026, abducted a man identified as Lanlege along the Egbe–Okoloke Road in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, deepening fears over escalating insecurity along major travel routes in the region. Local sources report that the victim was intercepted by the assailants while on transit for his daily activities and was forcefully taken away, in an attack that occurred during daylight hours, further heightening anxiety among commuters and residents.
The incident underscores persistent security challenges in Kogi State’s Yagba West and broader Okun land, where cases of banditry and kidnappings have become alarmingly frequent. Previous attacks in the area have included the abduction of traditional leaders and travellers under similar circumstances, contributing to a pervasive sense of vulnerability among residents. In May 2025, bandits abducted the Obalohun of Okoloke, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, in a palace attack that triggered widespread concern and reinforced perceptions of deteriorating safety along rural routes connecting Kogi with neighbouring states. The traditional ruler was later released after weeks in captivity following coordinated security and community efforts.
In recent months, insecurity in Kogi West has prompted local leaders to call for enhanced security measures, citing not only abductions but also fears that some local actors may be aiding criminal networks operating in forested and rural corridors that link Kogi with neighbouring states. Authorities have previously warned that criminal groups exploit poor road conditions and porous terrain to lay ambushes and evade capture, making journeys along highways such as Egbe–Okoloke dangerous for travellers without ample protection or convoy.
Community members have reacted to the latest abduction with alarm, urging government and security agencies to improve patrols, rapid response capabilities, and intelligence‑driven operations along the Egbe–Okoloke route and adjoining road networks. “People are afraid to travel alone now,” said one resident who asked not to be named. “We need stronger security presence and more frequent checkpoints if we want our roads to be safe again.” Witnesses say motorists have been advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid isolated stretches without security coverage, and travel in convoys where possible until sustained interventions are put in place.
The state government and security agencies have historically faced challenges in fully suppressing bandit and kidnapper activity in remote parts of Yagba West, with some communities previously deserted due to the fear of raids and abductions spiking over time. Efforts by the Nigerian Army, police, and local vigilante groups have yielded some successes in arresting suspects and rescuing victims in other parts of Kogi and neighbouring states, but the frequency of incidents continues to fuel demands for a more robust and coordinated security architecture across the zone.
The ongoing insecurity has also drawn attention to the broader trend of banditry and violent crime in rural and forested areas across several Nigerian states, where criminal networks have exploited governance gaps and limited security infrastructure to broaden their activities. These trends underscore a pressing need for expanded security resources, community cooperation, and strategic policy measures to protect lives and economic livelihoods.
As of publication, there has been no official statement from the Kogi State Police Command or other security agencies regarding the abduction of Lanlege, and it remains unclear whether ransom demands have been communicated to the victim’s family. The incident has nonetheless intensified calls for sustained and visible action to restore confidence among residents and road users in the region.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments