Kogi Government Confirms 13 Abducted, 4 Bandits Killed in Ayetoro Kiri Attack

The Kogi State Government has confirmed that 13 people were abducted during an attack by suspected bandits on Ayetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area. Local hunters reportedly neutralized four of the assailants in a fierce gun battle.

Speaking on News Central Television on Monday evening, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the attack targeted the rural farming community as bandits pushed into Kogi from neighboring Niger and Kwara states.

“Local hunters courageously engaged the bandits, leading to the deaths of four attackers, while several others escaped with gunshot injuries,” Fanwo said. He added that security forces are actively pursuing the fleeing criminals and working to rescue the kidnapped individuals.

Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, alongside Kogi State Police personnel, have been deployed to the area. The Department of State Services is also supporting operations through intelligence gathering. Fanwo noted that the state government is seeking air support from the Nigerian Air Force to complement ongoing ground efforts.

Governor Usman Ododo is reportedly coordinating with military leadership to intensify operations in the forest where the bandits are believed to be hiding.

The Commissioner praised the bravery of the local hunters and reassured residents that the government is taking all necessary measures to protect lives and property. “We are winning the battle already,” he said, emphasizing that the state’s security network has restricted the movement of bandits, who have increasingly targeted soft targets like churches.