A wave of grief and fear has swept through Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area in Kogi State, following a deadly attack by suspected bandits that claimed the life of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer and left several residents abducted.
The attack occurred on Monday night at about 8:30 p.m. when heavily armed gunmen reportedly invaded the community, firing indiscriminately and sending residents scrambling for safety. Witnesses said the attackers moved through parts of the town, creating panic and confusion as people fled their homes to avoid being caught in the violence.
Among the victims was NSCDC officer Mr. Ayo Olukotun, whose residence was reportedly targeted during the assault. According to community sources, the gunmen forcefully entered his home, shot him at close range, and abducted his daughter alongside several other residents before escaping into a nearby forest.
Residents immediately rushed the injured officer to a medical facility, but he was sadly pronounced dead on arrival. His death has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the growing security challenges facing communities in Kogi State and other parts of the country.
The killing has been widely condemned by local leaders and public officials. Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Hon. Tosin Olokun, described the incident as tragic and heartbreaking, noting that the loss extends beyond the officer’s family to the entire Odo-Ere community and the local government area.
In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Olokun expressed condolences to the bereaved family and all affected residents, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies by providing useful intelligence that could help combat criminal activities.
Also reacting to the attack, Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, who represents Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, described the incident as barbaric and deeply disturbing. He called on security agencies and the Kogi State Government to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe and immediate release of all abducted victims, especially the daughter of the slain NSCDC officer.
The latest incident has further heightened concerns over the activities of armed criminal groups operating within forested areas and rural communities across the region. Residents say the attack highlights the urgent need for stronger surveillance, improved intelligence gathering, and faster security response mechanisms.
Many community members have called on authorities to deploy advanced surveillance drones recently acquired by the state government as part of efforts to strengthen security operations. According to residents, the technology was introduced to monitor vulnerable areas, track criminal movements, and support rapid response efforts against kidnapping and banditry.
Security experts have increasingly advocated the use of technology-driven solutions, including drones, aerial monitoring systems, and real-time intelligence networks, to address the evolving tactics of criminal groups who often exploit difficult terrain and remote forest corridors to evade arrest.
As of the time of reporting, security agencies had not released an official update on the number of people abducted or the status of ongoing rescue operations. The spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, acknowledged the incident but said a formal statement would be issued after further assessment.
The attack adds to growing concerns about insecurity in parts of North-Central Nigeria, where communities continue to face threats from kidnappers, bandits, and other armed groups. Residents are now calling for sustained security operations and stronger protection measures to prevent further loss of lives and property in Yagba West and surrounding communities.
