Gunmen invaded Iluke, a town in the Bunu district of Kabba-Bunu LGA, in the early hours of Thursday, abducting a community health worker and his wife.
The assailants struck the Okebukun area around 1 a.m., whisking away the health worker, known locally as “Dr. Ebi” [omo Kemuna], and his wife on motorcycles. Witnesses said the gunmen fired sporadically into the air as they fled to deter pursuit.
The attack has heightened fear in Iluke and neighboring communities in Mopamuro and Ijumu LGAs, where residents woke up to the news.
Bunu district has seen repeated security breaches in recent weeks. On May 4, gunmen opened fire on the Iluke-Oferre road, forcing a commercial driver, Jacob, to stop. He was dragged into the bush and held for ransom. His abductors initially demanded ₦50 million.
On April 16, gunmen abducted two wives, two children, and an aide of “Prof. Wonder,” the paramount ruler of Odai, a community near Iluke. They demanded ₦150 million. When payment was delayed, the abductors allegedly killed two of the monarch’s children and circulated images of the killings online. The monarch was later hospitalized after falling ill, while other family members remained in captivity. Sources said the kidnappers have now demanded he deliver the ransom in person.
The Kogi State Police Command’s PRO, ASP Saliu Afuzat Oyiza, said she would respond after making inquiries but had not done so as of press time.
Residents say the frequency of attacks has left communities in the district living in fear, with many calling for increased security presence.
