By Amanabo Ocholi
Lokoja, Kogi State – Tragedy has struck Ofoloke community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State as suspected bandits gunned down three young men believed to be local hunters and vigilantes. The killings come just days after gunmen stormed the palace of the traditional ruler, HRM Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye, abducting him in the early hours of Thursday.
Hunters Ambushed While Searching for Kidnapped Monarch
Sources revealed that the slain vigilantes were hired by a telecommunication company to provide security for technicians repairing a faulty mast in the area. However, in a tragic turn of events, they were ambushed and shot dead while combing nearby bushes in a desperate search for their abducted king.
A community youth leader, Demola Samuel, expressed deep anguish over the escalating violence:
“We are heartbroken and outraged. Just days after our traditional ruler was kidnapped, we have now lost three more innocent lives. Our community is under siege—we need urgent intervention before things get worse.”
Community in Panic as Insecurity Worsens
Residents say the situation has become unbearable, with many families fleeing the area for fear of further attacks. Samuel lamented:
“The lifeless bodies of the three hunters were found in the bush this Saturday morning. Many are relocating because the insecurity is getting out of hand. We cannot continue like this.”
Police Yet to Respond
Efforts to get an official reaction from the Kogi State Police Command proved abortive, as the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Aya, had not responded to calls or text messages at the time of filing this report.
