By Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja; Aza Msue and Nonye Ekwenugo, Kaduna; Achor Abimaje, Jos
The Ayegunle Bunu community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State was thrown into panic in the early hours of Monday following a deadly bandit attack that left two persons dead and 30 others abducted, the police said.
In the attack, which reportedly occurred at about 2:25 a.m. on 1 June 2026, armed bandits invaded the community, abducting residents as well as travellers passing through the area.
Initial reports indicated that one person was killed and another injured during the incident. However, the Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that two persons lost their lives in the attack.
Sources in the community disclosed that among those abducted were two residents of Ayegunle Bunu — a man and a woman — while the remaining victims were passengers travelling in a commercial bus intercepted by the attackers.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Afusat Oyiza Saliu, said a total of 30 persons were kidnapped, comprising 26 males and four females.
According to her, the deceased were identified as Abdullahi Hashimu, a 22-year-old indigene of Igabi Local Government Area and a passenger in one of the intercepted vehicles, and Chief James Obayomi, 65, who was among three residents abducted from Ayegunle village during the attack.
The police spokesperson noted that security agencies had commenced efforts to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Residents of the community said efforts were ongoing to determine the full extent of the attack and ascertain whether more persons were affected.
The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity along major roads and rural communities in parts of Kogi State.
Bandits Attack Kaduna Mosque, Kill 1, Abduct Several Worshippers
Similarly, suspected bandits have attacked a mosque in Ungwan Namama village, Kaya area of Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing one worshipper and abducting several others.
The attackers were said to have stormed the community at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and moved straight to the mosque while residents were observing Maghrib prayers.
A community source, who confirmed the incident and pleaded anonymity for security reasons, said the assault may be a suspected reprisal following a recent military operation in the area.
According to the source, troops had earlier ambushed a criminal group operating within the general area, killing about eight of them, a development believed to have triggered the attack on the village.
“They suspect that people in the village informed the military about their movement. That angered them, and they came back to attack the community,” the source said.
According to him, five persons sustained injuries during the attack and are currently receiving treatment at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria.
Another resident, Abdullahi Mustapha, also confirmed the incident, saying the attackers struck while worshippers were praying.
“They came in around 7:30 p.m. while people were in the mosque observing Maghrib prayers. They killed one person, injured five, and abducted several others,” he said.
