Nine people, including a newly elected councillor, were abducted early Wednesday morning in the Odo-Ape community of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State.
This incident comes just a week after three individuals, including an eight-year-old boy, were kidnapped in the area.
The victims were taken from their respective homes around 1 a.m., amid sporadic gunshots.
Among the abducted are five Gwaris, two Bassa residents, and the councillor, the only indigene of Odo-Ape.
Residents are now living in heightened fear, unsure of who might be targeted next.
A community source, speaking under anonymity, called on security forces and the state government to urgently intervene to protect lives and properties and secure the victims’ release.
While the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Anya, has yet to respond to inquiries, a senior government security official confirmed the incident to Punch.
The official assured that the state’s security apparatus has launched an operation to address the situation, urging residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities.
