Armed assailants have struck again in Kogi State, kidnapping nine individuals from the Inele-Ugoh community in the Igah Ikeje area of Olamaboro Local Government Area. The brazen attack, which included the abduction of a mother and her three children en route to a funeral, has left the community in panic and calling for advanced technological aid in rescue efforts.
Details of the Friday Morning Attack
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, December 20, 2025. According to eyewitness accounts, a large group of over 40 gunmen invaded the community. Their firepower and numbers were so intimidating that local vigilante groups were reportedly unable to confront them directly.
Among the nine victims were four mourners – a woman and her three children. They were captured while traveling to another community to attend a burial ceremony. In a separate incident within the same attack, five other individuals were reportedly seized from their farms by the same band of gunmen. All victims were forcibly taken into a nearby forest.
Failed Immediate Response and Ongoing Search
The community swiftly sent distress calls to soldiers from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army stationed at a checkpoint within the area. However, by the time the military personnel arrived, the kidnappers had already vanished deep into the forest with their captives.
While a combined team of troops and local vigilantes is currently combing the forests in a rescue operation, hope is fading among residents. They express strong doubts that a ground search alone will be successful in locating the bandits' hideout.
Community Pleads for Aerial Surveillance
Frustrated by the limitations of the current search, members of the Inele-Ugoh community are making a desperate appeal to authorities. They insist that the only way to effectively track the kidnappers is through the deployment of drones and a police helicopter from Lokoja. They believe aerial surveillance is critical to scanning the vast and dense forest terrain where the victims are believed to be held.
As of the time of reporting, the Kogi State Police Command had not officially confirmed the incident. Repeated attempts to reach the police for comment were unsuccessful, as their lines could not be connected.
The attack underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of Kogi State and raises urgent questions about the response capabilities of security forces in remote communities.
