Gunmen Abduct Couple, Others in Early Morning Attack on Kogi Community
Gunmen have abducted a community health worker known as "Dr. Ebi" (popularly called Omo Kemuna) and his wife during an early morning attack on Iluke community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State. The attack occurred around 1 a.m. on Thursday and also led to the abduction of an unspecified number of residents.
Residents reported that the victims were forced onto motorcycles at gunpoint and taken into the forest by the attackers. This incident marks the first major abduction recorded in the once peaceful Iluke community in recent times. Eyewitnesses said the attack has thrown residents into panic, with neighboring communities in Mopamuro and Ijumu local government areas also gripped by fear over worsening insecurity in the axis.
Rising Insecurity in Bunu District
Bunu District has experienced repeated security breaches in recent months. On May 4, suspected armed bandits attacked travelers along the Iluke–Oferre Road, shooting sporadically and causing panic among commuters. During that attack, a commercial driver identified as Jacob was intercepted and abducted after unknowingly driving into the armed group. Family sources said the kidnappers later contacted his relatives and demanded a ransom of 50 million naira for his release.
Earlier, on April 16, gunmen abducted two wives, two children, and an aide of "Prof. Wonder," the traditional ruler of Odai community, located near Iluke. The kidnappers reportedly demanded 150 million naira ransom for the release of the victims. Sources familiar with the incident alleged that two of the monarch's children were later killed after delays in meeting the ransom demand, with disturbing images of the killings circulated on social media. More than a month after the attack, the monarch fell ill and was hospitalized, while some family members remain in captivity. A source disclosed that the abductors recently insisted the monarch must personally deliver the ransom or risk losing the remaining captives.
Police Yet to Respond
As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the latest abduction. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afuzat Oyiza, said she would obtain details of the incident and respond accordingly.
