Armed assailants have launched two separate attacks on Buge village in Kakanda Ward, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, leaving one person dead, two injured, and nine others abducted.
Sources revealed that the first incident occurred on April 25, 2025, when four villagers were kidnapped. The attackers struck again on April 28, during which they seized five more residents, wounded two, and killed one individual. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N150 million for the hostages.
The violence reportedly followed the arrest of a Fulani man disguised in women’s clothing. He was found in possession of garments suspected to belong to a previously abducted girl and was handed over to the Emir of Budan’s palace. Shortly after, the kidnappers called residents, threatening to retaliate if the man was not released. When the community refused, the second attack occurred as threatened.
Amid the chaos, several children attempting to flee the village are feared to have drowned while crossing a nearby river. Neighboring communities such as Budon Tsofo and Tsanawa have since been deserted, as residents fled following warnings they could be the next targets.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, riding motorcycles, usually launch their attacks in broad daylight, around 4 to 5 p.m.
Efforts to reach the state police spokesperson, SP William Aya, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, as his phone was switched off.
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