Unidentified gunmen have again attacked Okoloke, an agrarian community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, kidnapping four persons.
This is the third attack in seven days.
The latest incident was said to have taken place in the early hours of Tuesday when an unidentified number of the assailants invaded the area.
Speaking to newsmen, a local source said the armed men forced their way into the residence of Ezekiel Durojaiye, a retiree and respected community leader in nearby Okunran village.
The attackers allegedly kidnapped Pa Durojaiye along with three others, whisking them away into the bush at gunpoint. The incident has further heightened fear and tension among residents.
Reports say that Yagba West has recently become a hotspot for abductions. Last Thursday, gunmen kidnapped Oba James Dada Ogunyamda, the traditional ruler of the village.
Three days after the abduction of the monarch, two vigilante members and one other person were also reportedly abducted.
With the latest attack, a total of eight individuals have been kidnapped from the same community in just one week.
The kidnappers of the 90-year-old monarch reportedly demanded a ransom of N100 million, which was later negotiated down to N50 million. His family has since appealed to the government, organizations and the public for assistance in raising the funds.
Despite assurances from Yagba West Local Government Chairman, Tosin Olokun, and the Kogi State Police Command regarding ongoing rescue efforts, there have been no confirmed successes in securing the release of the abducted victims.
