GUNMEN, suspected to be bandits, reportedly killed a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ayo Olukotun, and abducted his daughter, along with several other residents, on Monday, June 8, during an attack on Odo-Ere, headquarters of Yagba West Local Council of Kogi State.
Residents said the attack occurred around 8:30p.m. when the gunmen stormed the community, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents, many of whom fled for safety.
During the attack, the gunmen, whose real identities were yet to be confirmed, reportedly forced their way to the residence of the NSCDC officer, shot him and abducted his daughter and other victims into a nearby forest.
A community source said Olukotun was rushed to a hospital shortly after the attack, but was confirmed dead on arrival and his remains have been deposited in a mortuary.
Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Tosin Olokun, while condemning the attack, described it as unfortunate and heartbreaking.
Olokun, who also serves as Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), said in a statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Babarinde: “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 Ayo Olukotun, the people of Odo-Ere and all those affected by this attack.”
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activities in the area.
The member representing Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Leke Joseph Abejide, described the incident as tragic, barbaric and a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting communities across the country.
Abejide, in a statement, noted: “The news of the killing of Ayo and the abduction of his daughter came to me with profound sadness.
“This is a painful moment for the people of Odo-Ere, Yagba West and Kogi State as a whole.”
He called on the Kogi State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted victims, particularly the daughter of the slain officer.
Spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, Saliu Oyiza Afusat (ASP) was yet to issue an official statement on the incident at press time.
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