Newly elected councillor representing Odo-Ape Ward in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Legislative Council, Hon. Alaba Ope, and eight others have reportedly been kidnapped overnight in their various communities.
Our correspondent gathered that the kidnappers struck in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA of Kogi State, around 1 a.m., shooting sporadically to scare residents before abducting their victims.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, said residents of Odo-Ape are now living in fear, uncertain about who might be targeted next.
He added that, just a few days ago, an 18-passenger bus was ambushed in the area, with all passengers kidnapped.
The eyewitness further confirmed that five Gwari people, two Bassa individuals, and a man named Silas from Agbadu-Bunu were also abducted overnight.
He called on security agencies and the state government to protect lives and property and secure the release of the kidnapped victims.
Kidnapping incidents have recently surged in the local government area. Two brothers abducted from their family land in Aluju, Kakun, and another two from Odo-Ape have now been held captive for over nine days.
Efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Command for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ayah, went unanswered at the time of filing this report.
