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Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers reportedly invaded Ayetoro-Kiri community in Bunu district of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, abducting a timber contractor, Enoch Johnson and five other residents.
The attack occurred on Thursday afternoon when the gunmen, riding on motorcycles, stormed the town, shooting sporadically. The gunfire caused panic, forcing residents to flee into the bush for safety.
According to locals, besides the abducted timber contractor, those reported missing include an elder identified as Maiye, a security guard at the community secondary school, a young girl named Dupe Oshe, Kehinde Lot, Tope Olorunshe and another individual whose identity is yet to be confirmed.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, first targeted the only mobile phone charging shop in the town, making away with more than 50 phones.
“Suddenly, we heard a staccato of gunshots. At first, we thought it was security operatives on a mission. However, upon investigation, we realised it was an attack. We saw people fleeing from the area near the charging shop.
“So far, six people have been confirmed missing as a result of the attack,” said Oluwatoyin Emmanuel, a resident.
The national president of the Aiyetoro-Kiri Development Association, Tolufashe Olusegun, an engineer, described the incident as one too many in recent times.
He lamented that the people of Bunu land could no longer access their farmlands and now live in constant fear due to the frequent attacks by armed groups.
Reports from the community on Friday indicate that the town has been largely deserted, with many residents yet to return. Others have relocated to stay with relatives or friends in neighbouring communities until the tension subsides.
When contacted, the Kogi State police command’s public relations officer, ASP William Aya, did not respond to calls or text messages at the time of filing this report.
