The Kogi State Government has officially confirmed a violent attack on the Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, resulting in a fierce confrontation that left four suspected bandits dead. The incident, which also saw the abduction of 13 residents, occurred following an invasion by the criminal elements.
Local Hunters Thwart Bandit Assault
According to the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the armed hoodlums met stiff and courageous resistance from local hunters upon invading the rural farming community. A sustained gun battle ensued, leading to the neutralisation of four attackers.
"Local hunters courageously resisted the attack, engaging the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire that led to the neutralisation of four suspects, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds," Fanwo stated. He confirmed that the hunters, alongside other security operatives, are currently on the trail of the fleeing criminals.
Security Reinforcements Deployed, Air Support Sought
The Commissioner disclosed that the attack highlights a shifting security challenge. He explained that sustained military operations against bandits in neighbouring Niger and Kwara States have forced criminal elements to shift their activities towards Kogi State.
In response, the state has deployed a coordinated security architecture. Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the Kogi State Police Command have been deployed to the community. Furthermore, the state government is seeking aerial support to complement ground operations.
"The Governor of the State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is engaging the service chiefs with the aim of ensuring an air raid of the forest by the Air Force to support the ground duel of the Army, Police, and local hunters," Fanwo added, appealing for Nigerian Air Force (NAF) intervention.
Government Assures Control, Hunt for Kidnap Victims Continues
While 13 persons were abducted during the assault, the Commissioner expressed strong optimism about their safe rescue. Security personnel are combing forests and bushes in an ongoing search operation.
Fanwo commended the bravery of the local hunters and reassured residents that the government is firmly in control. He noted that security has been tightened around the state, particularly around soft targets.
"We are quite hopeful that the kidnapped persons will be rescued. Their movement has been restricted. With our security network, what they are doing now is to attack soft targets like churches. We have come up with measures to tighten security... We are winning the battle already," he assured.
The attack is a grim reminder of the security threats facing some communities. It will be recalled that gunmen had earlier attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro-Kiri on a Sunday, killing one worshipper and abducting 20 others, according to local sources.
