Gunmen have killed a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Ayo Olukotun, and abducted his daughter along with several other residents during an attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Residents said the attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday when the assailants invaded the community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
According to eyewitnesses, many residents fled their homes for safety as the gunmen operated in the area.
Amid the confusion, the attackers reportedly forced their way into the residence of the NSCDC officer, shot him and abducted his daughter and other victims into a nearby forest.
A community source disclosed that Olukotun was rushed to a hospital shortly after the incident but was confirmed dead on arrival.
Reacting to the attack, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area and Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Tosin Olokun, described the killing as a tragic loss to the community and the state.
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. On behalf of the government and people of Yagba West, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Ayo Olukotun, the people of Odo-Ere and all those affected by this attack,” Olokun said.
The council chairman also called for intensified efforts by security agencies to secure the release of those abducted and prevent further attacks in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
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