Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State has been plunged into mourning following the deaths of three residents who were abducted by suspected bandits, even after a ransom was raised and paid by the community.
SaharaReporters gathered that seven abductees were eventually released by their captors, but three were confirmed dead on arrival, while four others are currently receiving treatment in hospital. Meanwhile, about 30 residents are still being held in captivity, with their fate uncertain.
The incident has deepened anger and frustration in Ayetoro-Kiri and across Bunu land, where residents say persistent attacks by bandits and an alleged lack of effective government response have left communities vulnerable.
In a statement signed by the community’s spokesperson, David Ampitan, the residents accused authorities of failing to take decisive action to rescue abducted victims or bring perpetrators to justice. The statement also alleged that instead of addressing the security crisis, the Kogi State Government, through the chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government, responded to community protests by deploying security forces to disperse demonstrators with tear gas and make arrests.
According to the community, the abductions involved scores of residents, and despite the payment of ransom through communal contributions, only a fraction were released. The statement described the deaths as a tragic outcome of worsening insecurity and official neglect.
Residents said the situation reflected a breakdown of security governance, noting that while bandits continue to kill, kidnap and terrorise communities, peaceful protesters demanding protection are treated as criminals.
They lamented the recurring cycle of violence, ransom payments and loss of lives, saying many residents are exhausted from burying loved ones and selling property to raise money for ransoms.
The community called on the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant authorities to urgently intervene, rescue those still in captivity, restore security across Ayetoro-Kiri and the wider Bunu district, and hold accountable officials accused of ignoring the crisis.
The appeal follows a recent protest by youths in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, during which demonstrators blocked a major road to draw attention to escalating insecurity and the abandonment of several communities. The protest was later dispersed by police using tear gas.
