By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Armed bandits have again struck in Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer and abducting his daughter.
Sources told our correspondent that the attack occurred on Monday evening, June 8, 2026, when heavily armed men invaded the community, leaving residents in panic.
The deceased officer, identified simply as Mr. Ayo, was reportedly shot in the head during the attack while residents fled for safety.
A community source said the victim was rushed to a medical facility but was pronounced dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary.
The attackers also abducted his first daughter before escaping, further heightening fears among residents over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
The latest incident comes barely a week after a similar attack in Aiyegunle-Igun, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where bandits reportedly killed two persons and abducted about 30 others.
Three days after that attack, armed men invaded Ikoyi community in Ijumu Local Government Area at about 7 p.m. during a burial ceremony, killing three people and abducting several others.
Residents said none of the victims abducted in the earlier attacks had been rescued as of the time of filing this report, while fear and uncertainty continue to grip communities across Kogi West Senatorial District.
The recurring attacks have raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in Kogi West, with residents calling on security agencies and the state government to take urgent and decisive action to curb the menace.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the latest incident.
