Residents of a satellite community in Kogi State capital were thrown into panic after suspected bandits launched a brazen midnight attack, abducting four members of a single family.
Details of the Nighttime Invasion
The incident occurred in Zone 12 of the Zango community, located within the Adavi Local Government Area. Zango is a satellite settlement on the outskirts of Lokoja, the state capital. According to local sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, the gunmen struck late at night on January 10, 2026, invading the area and seizing the victims from their home.
"We were invaded last night. Regrettably, four individuals, including women and children, were abducted during the invasion," a distressed resident revealed.
Security Response and Partial Rescue
The swift intervention of local security operatives yielded a partial success. Their response led to the discovery of two of the kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by their captors.
"The intervention of local security led to the discovery of two of the victims abandoned by the gunmen," the source confirmed. "An old woman and a two-year-old child were discovered in the bush this morning."
However, the rescue came with a tinge of frustration for other residents. One local described a traumatic night where the community felt under siege, criticizing the timing of the security response. "The police and the army responded to the attack, but they came rather late after the gunmen escaped with their victims into an unknown destination," the resident lamented.
Community in Fear, Police Yet to Comment
The attack has left the community in a state of fear and uncertainty. Reports from the area indicate the gunmen specifically targeted a newly completed house. Conflicting accounts emerged about the identities of the remaining captives, with some sources claiming a woman and her son were taken, while others alleged a man and his son were the victims.
Security agencies have now commenced a full-scale manhunt for the kidnappers. As of the time the initial report was filed, the official police reaction was still pending. Calls placed to the phone lines of the Police Public Relations Officer for Kogi State, ASP William Ovye, were not accessible.
