Bandits kill 3, abduct 15 in Kogi, Zamfara

Bandits have killed three persons and kidnapped 15 others in attacks on communities in Kogi and Zamfara states on Friday and Saturday. In Kogi, the assailants killed two people and abducted more than 10 others when they attacked the Olle-Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu LGA. It was gathered on Sunday that the incident occurred on Friday […]

Bandits have killed three persons and kidnapped 15 others in attacks on communities in Kogi and Zamfara states on Friday and Saturday.

In Kogi, the assailants killed two people and abducted more than 10 others when they attacked the Olle-Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu LGA.

It was gathered on Sunday that the incident occurred on Friday afternoon.

Following the attack, two residents, Williams Onimayin and Olowo Memonbiayere, were confirmed dead, while over 10 others were reportedly abducted.

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A resident, simply identified as Bayo, said, “The attackers struck residents on their way to their farms, killing at least two people during the assault.

“The exact number of abducted victims remains unclear as villagers are still taking a census of those missing. So far, 10 people have been confirmed missing.”

An indigene of the community, Olayinka Braimoh, who was the standard bearer of the Action Alliance (AA) in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election, criticised the authorities for failing to take necessary steps to stem the rising wave of banditry in various communities within the district.

Braimoh called for a comprehensive security overhaul, involving the effective deployment of security forces, investment in local intelligence, and the active involvement of community leaders.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu LGA, Barrister Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned what he described as “the gruesome and senseless attack” on Ihale and Olle-Bunu communities, calling it a grave affront to public safety and a threat to communal harmony and sustainability.

Efforts to get a reaction from the Kogi State Police Command’s spokesperson, CSP William Aya, proved unsuccessful.

Daily Trust further reports that in a related incident, terrorists reportedly attacked an ECWA church in Ayetoro-Kiri on December 14, abducting some worshippers.

In a viral video, the victims of the church abduction are seen calling for urgent intervention to save their lives.
In Zamfara, bandits attacked Fananawa village in Bukuyum LGA, killed one person and kidnapped seven others.

Residents said the bandits stormed the village on Saturday night and operated till dawn.

Daily Trust reports that within a month, the Bukuyum communities have suffered serious attacks, including a bomb blast, from the marauders.

A resident, Malam Sani, said one person shot was referred to the teaching hospital in Sokoto.”

The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the incident but put the number of the kidnapped victims at five.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said, “Our personnel are currently on the rescue mission, and very soon you will hear the success story.

“The bandits entered the Farnanawa community, killed one person, kidnapped five people, and injured one.”