By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
One person was killed and a woman abducted on Wednesday night after gunmen attacked Ijekpe village in the Ette community, Ogugu District of Olamaboro Local Government Area, Kogi State.Local sources said the attackers invaded the village at about 11:00 p.m., firing shots sporadically and forcing residents indoors for several hours.
It was later discovered that a stray bullet struck a young man, killing him instantly, while a woman was taken away by the assailants.Security sources confirmed that troops of the Nigerian Army have been deployed to the area and are currently conducting joint search operations in surrounding forests alongside local security groups.
Residents of Ette and neighbouring communities along the Kogi–Enugu boundary said they have witnessed a rise in kidnapping incidents in recent months. They appealed to the Kogi State Government to strengthen security at boundary communities, similar to efforts in other parts of the state.
The Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW) also reported an increase in kidnapping cases in the zone compared to figures recorded late last year.In a related development, security operatives reportedly rescued a woman travelling from the South-East to Kaduna after pursuing suspected kidnappers and forcing them to abandon their victim.
Residents have been advised to avoid night travel, as search and rescue operations are more difficult under low visibility. The Kogi State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement as of press time.
