Bandits kill NSCDC officer, abduct daughter, others in expressway attack

Bandits kill NSCDC officer, abduct daughter, others in expressway attack

Suspected bandits have killed a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ayo Olukotun, and abducted his daughter alongside several residents during an attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The attack, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday, threw the community into panic as gunmen reportedly invaded the area, shooting indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee their homes.

Sources in the community said the attackers stormed the residence of the NSCDC officer during the operation, shot him and whisked away his daughter and other victims into a nearby forest.

Olukotun was said to have been rushed to a hospital following the attack but did not survive the injuries he sustained.

“Mr. Olukotun was taken to the hospital immediately after the incident, but sadly, he was confirmed dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary,” a community source said.

The killing has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Kogi State.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Tosin Olokun, condemned the attack and described the death of the NSCDC officer as a tragic loss to the community.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Babarinde, Olokun sympathised with the bereaved family and residents affected by the attack.

“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 Mr. Ayo Olukotun, the people of Odo-Ere and all those affected by this attack,” he said.

The council chairman urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information that could aid efforts to combat criminal activities in the area.

Also reacting, the member representing Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, described the attack as barbaric and heartbreaking.

“The news of the killing of Mr. 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,” Abejide said.

The lawmaker called on security agencies and the Kogi State Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims, especially the daughter of the slain NSCDC officer.

Meanwhile, residents have urged the state government to deploy the recently unveiled surveillance drones to vulnerable communities and forested areas frequently targeted by kidnappers and bandits.

According to them, the technology was introduced to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen rapid response capabilities against criminal elements operating across the state.

“The government and security agencies should leverage technology-driven security infrastructure to prevent further attacks and improve the protection of lives and property in Yagba West,” a resident, Ayobami, said.