By Our Correspondent
Residents of Ayegunle Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State were thrown into panic early Monday, June 1, 2026, after armed bandits launched a deadly raid. According to a Vanguard report, the attack left one person dead and about 30 others abducted.
Preliminary accounts show the incident occurred around 2:25 a.m. when the attackers stormed the area with little resistance. One resident was killed during the assault, while another sustained injuries of varying severity.
Community sources said two of those abducted were locals, a man and a woman from Ayegunle Bunu. The rest were passengers travelling in a commercial bus that was intercepted by the gunmen along the route.
The bus was reportedly forced to stop before the passengers were taken away by the attackers to an unknown location. The raid has heightened fear among residents in the agrarian community.
Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, confirmed the incident while speaking to journalists at the Passing-Out Parade of 565 newly trained police constables in Lokoja. He said investigations had commenced and assured that security operatives were actively working to secure the release of the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Authorities have since intensified search-and-rescue operations in the area. Security presence has also been increased around vulnerable communities in Kabba/Bunu LGA to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents.
Residents remain anxious as they await updates on the fate of those kidnapped. Local leaders have urged calm and cooperation with security agencies, while community stakeholders are calling for stronger security deployment in rural areas to address recurring cases of banditry and abductions.
Weeks ahead will determine rescue outcomes as operations continue across forested escape routes in affected communities in Kogi.
