GUNMEN KIDNAP COUNCILLOR, EIGHT OTHER IN KOGI COMMUNITY

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Gunmen kidnapped nine people, including a council member, from the Odo-Ape hamlet in Kogi State’s Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

According to what our journalist obtained, the kidnapping happened early on Wednesday.

Just one week has passed since three people, including an eight-year-old boy, were kidnapped from the same neighborhood.

One of those abducted is the recently elected Kabba-Bunu Legislative Council councilor for the Odo-Ape Ward.

The eight other members were chosen from their respective homes, as was the councilor.

The attackers struck Wednesday morning at around 1 am, shooting randomly before selecting their victims, according to a neighborhood source who asked not to be identified for security reasons.

He added that three people, including an eight-year-old boy, were abducted from the town only a week ago and that the residents of Odo-Ape are now living in constant fear, not knowing who will be the next victim.

According to the source, only the council member is an indigenous member of the community, while the other seven victims are simply local people (two Bassa and five Gwaris).

He urged the state government and security services to assist in securing the release of individuals who had been abducted as well as in defending their lives and property.

Despite the fact that SP William Anya, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, has not yet returned calls or texts, a senior government security official verified the report.

According to him, the state security apparatus has already acted and will soon express its stance.

He encouraged people to go about their everyday lives fearlessly and reassured everyone that the administration is keeping an eye on the situation.