Kidnappers Demand N30 Million Ransom for Four Kogi Victims After 26 Days in Captivity
In a distressing development, kidnappers holding four residents of Odo-Ere in Kogi State have reportedly contacted the families of the victims, demanding a ransom of N30 million for their release. This demand comes after the victims have spent 26 days in captivity, heightening concerns over their safety and well-being.
Details of the Abduction and Ransom Demand
According to family sources, the victims – identified as Engr. Shina Ajere, Mr. Kehinde Afolabi, Damiola Ogun, and Omo Oloyan – were abducted during an attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area in Kogi State, on December 28, 2025. The armed bandits have issued a stern warning that no victim will be freed unless the full ransom amount is paid, leaving families in a state of desperation and fear.
Family members have expressed deep anguish over the situation, with one lamenting, “Where do we raise this amount by this time of the year? The situation is getting more traumatic every day. Who will help us?” This plea underscores the financial and emotional toll the kidnapping has taken on the affected families, who are struggling to meet the exorbitant demand.
Community Concerns and Missing Persons
Residents of Odo-Ere have also raised alarms about an unspecified number of other community members who remain missing following the attack. There are growing fears that more people may have been kidnapped from their farms, adding to the uncertainty and distress in the area. A community member stated, “Uncertainty still hangs in the air, as there are fears that more residents may have been abducted, with some families still accounting for missing relatives in the aftermath of the attack.”
This situation highlights the broader security challenges in the region, with banditry and kidnapping incidents continuing to threaten the safety of local populations. The community has made a heartfelt appeal to the Kogi State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently and rescue the victims, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to prevent further abductions.
Appeal for Government Intervention
The families and community members are calling on authorities to take immediate action. They urge the government to deploy resources and strategies to secure the release of the victims and address the underlying security issues in Kogi State. The ongoing captivity of the four residents serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced by communities in Nigeria, necessitating a robust response from both state and federal levels.
As the situation unfolds, the hope is that swift intervention will bring an end to this ordeal and ensure the safe return of all missing persons, while also implementing long-term solutions to curb such criminal activities in the future.
