Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Friday abducted nine persons, including a woman and her three children, in Inele-Ugoh village, Igah Ikeje community, Olamaboro Local Government Area.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday when more than 40 heavily armed men reportedly invaded the community.
The woman and her three children were said to be travelling to a neighbouring community for a burial when the attackers intercepted them and forced them into the forest. Five other victims were also abducted from their farms during the raid.
An eyewitness said the sheer number of the attackers and the sophistication of their weapons overwhelmed local vigilante members, who were unable to confront them.
Following the attack, the community reportedly sent distress calls to troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 12 Brigade checkpoint in the area. However, the soldiers arrived after the gunmen had fled into the surrounding forest.
Although troops and local vigilantes have begun combing nearby forests in search of the victims, residents expressed fears that the abductors may evade capture without aerial surveillance.
A community police source told PUNCH that the criminal group operates in large numbers and frequently relocates their captives.
“These bandits move in large groups, sometimes up to 200, and often split into smaller units. They do not stay in one location but keep moving their captives from place to place,” the source said.
“Ground troops alone may not succeed without aerial support. Drones or police helicopters from Lokoja are needed to flush them out. We will not enjoy Christmas if these criminals remain in our forests.”
Members of the Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch also confirmed a recent surge in kidnapping incidents across Olamaboro communities, alleging that armed groups were infiltrating the area from neighbouring states.
“The gunmen are operating in large numbers and are heavily armed,” one member said.
Another resident described the attackers as audacious and desperate, noting that they operate both day and night.
“We need increased security deployment and aerial surveillance by both the state and federal governments to curb this menace,” the resident added.