January 4, 2026 | News | SUNTV Global Channel
Residents of Idofin community in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State were thrown into fear and confusion on Saturday night following a fresh attack by suspected bandits, leaving one person dead and another seriously injured.
SUNTV Global Channel reliably gathered that the armed attackers stormed the community between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, striking at a time when residents were settling in for the night. Witnesses described the attack as sudden and coordinated, with gunshots ringing through the community and forcing many residents to flee their homes in panic.
According to local sources, the deceased victim was identified as a Tiv man who was caught in the violence during the assault. Another indigene of the community sustained life-threatening injuries and was left bleeding before help arrived. Military personnel later intervened and evacuated the injured victim to an undisclosed hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the Kogi State Government or the Nigerian Police Force, a silence that has further heightened tension and anxiety within the community. Residents say the lack of timely response and communication from authorities has become a recurring pattern whenever attacks occur in the area.
Community leaders and residents have expressed deep concern over what they describe as a worsening security crisis in Yagba East and other parts of Kogi State. Many fear that bandits and criminal gangs now operate with little resistance, emboldened by what locals see as weak security presence and delayed interventions.
“This attack has shattered whatever sense of safety we had left,” a resident told SUNTV Global Channel under anonymity. “People can no longer sleep with both eyes closed. Every night, we fear that gunmen may return.”
Growing Insecurity Across Kogi Communities
The attack on Idofin is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued several communities across Kogi State in recent months. SUNTV Global Channel recalls that Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area was recently plunged into mourning after three abducted residents were confirmed dead, even after families and community members raised and paid ransom demanded by kidnappers.
According to information gathered, although seven abductees were eventually released, three were already dead by the time they regained freedom. Four others were rushed to medical facilities, where they are reportedly battling for their lives due to severe injuries and deteriorating health conditions suffered while in captivity.
Even more disturbing is the revelation that about 30 residents of Ayetoro-Kiri community are still being held hostage by bandits, with families and loved ones living in agonizing uncertainty over their fate. Community members say negotiations have stalled, while security agencies have yet to launch any decisive rescue operation.
Community Accuses Authorities Of Intimidation
In a statement obtained by SUNTV Global Channel and signed by the community’s spokesperson, David Ampitan, residents accused authorities of failing to protect lives and property, while allegedly turning against victims of insecurity.
The statement alleged that instead of deploying security forces to rescue abducted persons or track down the criminals responsible for the attacks, the Kogi State Government, acting through the Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government, responded to public outcry by tear-gassing and arresting peaceful protesters.
The protesters were said to be demanding improved security, justice for slain residents, and urgent action to rescue their kidnapped relatives. Community leaders described the alleged use of force against protesters as a betrayal and an attempt to silence legitimate concerns.
Calls For Urgent Government Action
Residents across Yagba East, Kabba-Bunu, and surrounding communities are now calling on both state and federal authorities to take urgent and decisive steps to address the escalating insecurity. They are demanding increased deployment of security personnel, intelligence-driven operations, and sustained patrols to prevent further attacks.
Security analysts warn that continued inaction and official silence could further embolden criminal elements and worsen the humanitarian situation in the affected communities.
As fear spreads and confidence in security institutions continues to erode, residents say they can no longer afford empty assurances, urging authorities to act swiftly before more lives are lost.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and bring updates as more information becomes available.
