The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that gunmen abducted three people, including a pastor, during an attack on Odo-Eri in Yagba West Local Government Area, in the latest sign of growing insecurity in parts of central Nigeria.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, April 22, when armed men invaded the community, firing shots and causing residents to flee.
Police said one of the victims sustained injuries during the attack and is receiving medical treatment.
Pastor Among Those Kidnapped
Local sources said those abducted include a pastor of Redeemed Christian Church of God, his wife, and another resident.
The attack has heightened anxiety in the area, where communities have faced repeated fears of kidnapping and rural bandit activity.
Witnesses said gunfire shattered the calm of the usually quiet settlement, prompting many residents to run for safety or temporarily abandon their homes.
Confirming the abductions, Police Public Relations Officer Afusat Saliu said security personnel had been deployed to the area.
She said efforts were underway to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.
The command also sought to reassure residents, stating that the situation was under control and that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.
Suspects Believed to Have Fled Toward Border Route
Although details remained limited, emerging local intelligence suggested the attackers attempted to flee through Abewo Road, located between Okunran and Okoloke.
The route is believed to offer possible access toward Kwara State, raising concerns that the kidnappers may have moved victims across state lines.
Cross-border escape routes are a common tactic used by armed gangs, allowing them to evade security operations by moving quickly through forests and rural road networks.
Wave of Insecurity
The latest abduction adds to mounting concern over security in Kogi State, which sits between Nigeria’s north and south and has increasingly faced spillover violence from neighboring regions.
Kidnappings for ransom, highway ambushes, and attacks on isolated communities have become a recurring challenge in parts of Nigeria’s central belt.
Religious leaders have also become targets in several incidents, reflecting the opportunistic nature of armed criminal groups seeking leverage for ransom demands.
For residents of Odo-Eri, the attack has left fear and uncertainty.
Families are awaiting word on the abducted victims while security forces continue search operations in surrounding areas.
The incident underscores the persistent danger facing rural communities where limited security presence and difficult terrain can make rapid response challenging.
