Elderly Woman Brutally Murdered by Bandits in Kogi Forest
The peaceful community of Ilafin-Isanlu in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State has been thrown into mourning following the brutal murder of an elderly woman by suspected bandits. Mrs Elizabeth Olorunshola was executed by her captors after they determined she was too weak to continue the trek through the forest to their hideout.
Night of Terror in Ilafin-Isanlu
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night, November 8, 2025, when armed men stormed the community along the Ilafin-Isanlu road. The attackers not only abducted Mrs. Olorunshola but also shot another victim during their operation. Local sources revealed that the bandits made the heartless decision to kill the elderly woman when her physical condition prevented her from keeping up with their forced march through the dense vegetation.
The grim discovery was made on Sunday when residents found both bodies in the nearby bush. The wounded man and the deceased woman were located by community members searching the area, sending shockwaves through the entire region.
Community Response and Official Reactions
The killing has triggered widespread fear among residents, with many families reportedly relocating to safer communities. In response to the escalating security crisis, residents of Yagba East took to the streets in protest, demanding an end to the unchecked wave of kidnappings and bandit attacks plaguing their area.
Mr. Idowu Awe, President of the Ilafin Development Association (IDA), described the situation as "very sad and disheartening" in an official statement. "Today, we had a terrible and disturbing experience that led to the loss of one of our great daughters and mother – Mrs Elizabeth Olorunshola", the statement read, extending condolences to the bereaved family and entire community.
Local government authorities have pledged action. Hon. (Dr.) Joshua Dare Monday, Executive Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, called the incident heartbreaking and assured residents that the perpetrators would not escape justice. He confirmed that the council is working with security agencies to intensify surveillance and restore calm across affected communities.
Adding his voice to the condemnation, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, Member representing Yagba East-West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency, vowed that both the kidnappers and their informants would be brought to justice. "We will not relent until our communities and forests are safe from perpetrators who target innocent citizens", he declared.
The community of Ilafin-Isanlu remains in a state of deep mourning and terror, with many residents describing their homeland as being under siege by criminal elements who operate with increasing boldness in the region.
