December 29, 2025 | News | SUNTV Global Channel
Fear and tension have engulfed Odo-Ere community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State following a deadly overnight attack by suspected gunmen who abducted at least four residents.
SUNTV Global Channel gathered that the assailants, believed to be heavily armed, stormed the community late Sunday night, moving from house to house while firing sporadically, causing panic among residents.
Those reportedly abducted during the coordinated raid include Engr. Shina Ajere, Mr. Kehinde Afolabi, Damilola Ogun, and a woman popularly known in the area as Iya Lara. Residents say the exact number of victims remains uncertain, raising fears that more people may have been taken by the attackers.
Eyewitnesses described the operation as well-planned and terrifying, with gunshots echoing across the community for several minutes. Another residential apartment was also targeted during the attack, with visible bullet holes found on the building. A bullet reportedly penetrated the house, but the gunmen were unable to gain access.
According to community sources, the attackers eventually fled the area with their victims, leaving residents traumatised and afraid.
Following the incident, community leaders and residents have appealed to security agencies and the Kogi State Government to urgently deploy more security personnel to Odo-Ere and surrounding communities, while intensifying efforts to rescue those abducted.
Odo-Ere and other parts of Yagba West Local Government Area have recently recorded repeated attacks by armed groups, further highlighting growing insecurity and the vulnerability of rural communities across Kogi State.
Meanwhile, SUNTV Global Channel recalls that on Sunday, reports emerged of the abduction of a pastor of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel) in Okoro Gbedde, Ijumu Local Government Area of the state. The cleric was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday while travelling on a motorcycle to his farm along the Okeoffin–Okoro Gbedde axis.
Eyewitnesses said the pastor jumped off the motorcycle upon encountering the gunmen, while the commercial rider managed to escape. The pastor was, however, seized and taken to an undisclosed location.
Residents across affected communities continue to call for decisive action to curb the rising wave of kidnappings and violent attacks in Kogi State.
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