Gunmen have abducted a community health worker identified simply as “Dr. Ebi” (popularly known as Omo Kemuna) and his wife during an early morning attack on Iluke community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The attack, which occurred around 1 a.m. on Thursday, also reportedly led to the abduction of an unspecified number of residents.
Residents said the victims were forced onto motorcycles at gunpoint and taken into the forest by the attackers.
The incident is said to be the first major abduction recorded in the once peaceful Iluke community in recent times.
Eyewitnesses said the attack has thrown residents into panic, with neighbouring communities in Mopamuro and Ijumu local government areas also gripped by fear over worsening insecurity in the axis.
Bunu District has witnessed repeated security breaches in recent months.
On May 4, suspected armed bandits reportedly attacked travellers along the Iluke–Oferre Road, shooting sporadically and causing panic among commuters.
During the attack, a commercial driver identified as Jacob was allegedly intercepted and abducted after he unknowingly drove into the armed group.
Family sources said the kidnappers later contacted his relatives and demanded a ransom of ₦50 million for his release.
Earlier, on April 16, gunmen abducted two wives, two children, and an aide of “Prof. Wonder,” the traditional ruler of Odai community, located near Iluke.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded ₦150 million ransom for the release of the victims.
Sources familiar with the incident alleged that two of the monarch’s children were later killed after delays in meeting the ransom demand, with disturbing images of the killings allegedly circulated on social media.
More than a month after the attack, the monarch was said to have fallen ill and was hospitalised, while some members of his family reportedly remain in captivity.
A source close to the matter disclosed that the abductors recently insisted the monarch must personally deliver the ransom or risk losing the remaining captives.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the latest abduction.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afuzat Oyiza, said she would obtain details of the incident and respond accordingly.
