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Some unidentified gunmen reportedly whisked away no fewer than nine people in a recent attack in the communities of Odo-Ape in the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Naija News reports that the incident follows closely on the heels of a previous kidnapping that occurred just a week prior, during which three individuals, including an eight-year-old boy, were taken from the same locality.
Among those abducted in the recent attack is Hon. Alaba Ope, the newly elected councillor for the Odo-Ape ward in the Kabba-Bunu Legislative Council.
Reports revealed that Ope and the other eight victims were kidnapped from their residences.
Vanguard quoted a community source to have reported that the attackers arrived around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, firing indiscriminately before selecting their targets.
The residents of Odo-Ape are now engulfed in fear, uncertain of who might be the next to be taken, especially in light of the recent kidnapping incident involving three individuals, including a young child.
The source said seven of the kidnapped victims were just residents in the community (5 Gwaris, 2 Bassa), “Only the councillor is an indigene of the community.”
Additionally, another individual, identified as Silas, was reportedly apprehended in Agbadu, a community adjacent to Odo-Ape.
He urged the security agencies and the state government to assist in safeguarding their lives and properties, as well as to facilitate the release of those who have been kidnapped.
It is important to note that there has been a recent increase in kidnapping incidents within the local government area, including the abduction of two brothers on their family land in Aluju, Kakun, and the kidnapping of three other individuals, including an 8-year-old boy, in the Odo-Ape community just last week, all of whom remain in the custody of their captors.
The media platform reported that while the Kogi Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Anya, has not yet responded to inquiries made this morning, a senior government security official has confirmed the situation.
He stated that the state security forces have already initiated a response and will provide further updates shortly.
He also reassured the public that the government is actively addressing the issue, encouraging residents to continue their daily activities with minimal apprehension.
