Armed bandits have launched a deadly assault on the Olle-Bunu community in Kogi State, leaving two residents dead and at least ten others abducted. The attack has sent shockwaves through the area and sparked urgent calls for improved security measures.
Details of the Friday Afternoon Assault
The violent incident occurred on Friday afternoon but details emerged more fully by Monday. According to local sources, the attackers targeted residents who were on their way to their farms. Williams Onimayin and Olowo Memonbiayere were confirmed killed during the brutal assault.
A resident, identified as Bayo, described the chaos. He stated that the exact number of those taken remains unclear as villagers are still counting the missing. So far, ten people have been confirmed abducted, with fears the number could rise.
Community Outcry and Official Condemnation
The attack has drawn sharp criticism from community leaders over the perceived failure of authorities. Olayinka Braimoh, an indigene of the community and the Action Alliance (AA) standard bearer in the 2023 Kogi governorship election, lambasted the government for not taking necessary steps to stem the rising tide of banditry in the district.
Braimoh called for a comprehensive security overhaul. His demands include:
- Effective deployment of security forces to vulnerable communities.
- Strategic investment in local intelligence gathering.
- Active involvement of community leaders in security architecture.
In an official response, the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Barrister Zacchaeus Dare Michael, strongly condemned the attack. He described the assault on Ihale and Olle-Bunu communities as "gruesome and senseless," labeling it a grave threat to public safety and communal harmony.
A Growing Threat to Public Safety
This latest incident highlights the persistent and growing threat of banditry and kidnapping in several Nigerian communities, even beyond the more commonly reported regions. The attack in Kabba/Bunu LGA underscores the urgent need for a localized and intelligence-driven security strategy to protect agrarian communities and prevent further loss of life and liberty.
