Unidentified gunmen have launched yet another attack on Okoloke, an agrarian community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting four persons in what marks the third assault on the community within a week.

The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when armed assailants invaded the area and forcibly entered the residence of Pa Ezekiel Durojaiye, a retiree and respected community leader from nearby Okunran village. According to local sources, the attackers kidnapped Pa Durojaiye along with three others at gunpoint before escaping into the surrounding bush.

This attack has further intensified fear and tension among residents of the area, which has recently become a hotspot for abductions. Last Thursday, gunmen kidnapped Oba James Dada Ogunyamda, the traditional ruler of the village. Just three days later, two vigilante members and another person were reportedly abducted.

With this latest incident, a total of eight individuals have been kidnapped from the same community within a single week, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in the area.

The kidnappers of the 90-year-old monarch have reportedly demanded a ransom of N100 million, which was later negotiated down to N50 million. The royal family has since appealed to the government, organizations, and the public for assistance in raising the funds needed to secure his release.

Despite assurances from Yagba West Local Government Chairman, Tosin Olokun, and the Kogi State Police Command regarding ongoing rescue efforts, there have been no confirmed successes in securing the release of any of the abducted victims.

The repeated attacks on Okoloke have raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in the area, with residents calling for increased protection from law enforcement agencies.

Security experts have noted that the pattern of attacks suggests a coordinated effort by the kidnappers, who appear to be targeting the community specifically. Authorities have yet to provide details on the identity of the perpetrators or their motives beyond ransom demands.

As the search for the abducted victims continues, the community remains on high alert, with many residents reportedly considering temporary relocation to safer areas until the security situation improves.