Unidentified armed men launched an attack on the Lawiri River area of Odo-Ere, the administrative center of Yagba West Local Government Area in Kogi State, on Monday evening. During the assault, a resident suffered a gunshot wound, and an undetermined number of inhabitants were reportedly abducted.
A video captured by local residents, which was obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, depicted a man identified only as Mr. Elijah lying on the ground, visibly injured from a gunshot.
In the footage, voices could be heard suggesting that the assailants operated in the vicinity of the river before making their escape.
At the time of this report, the precise number of individuals seized during the conflict was still uncertain.
The community reacted with alarm, as several residents, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed their fear and indicated that many were forced to flee their homes seeking safety.
Attempts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer for the Kogi State Command were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.
Currently, there has been no official reaction from security forces regarding the incident.
This attack is reported just a day after another incident in which armed men ignited a vehicle transporting cashew products on the Egbe–Eruku Road within the same Yagba West area. On March 2, both the driver and his companion were able to escape, while the vehicle and its cargo were completely consumed by the fire.
In recent months, Yagba West and other regions within Kogi West Senatorial District have faced multiple security challenges.
On February 4, the Kogi State Government instructed the temporary closure of all schools statewide, citing precautionary measures based on credible intelligence to protect students and educators.
Subsequently, on February 8, the authorities announced the temporary shutdown of specific markets and bus terminals in parts of Kogi West to facilitate ongoing security operations aimed at eradicating banditry and other criminal activities.
In December 2025, gunmen invaded a religious gathering in Ayetoro-Kiri, which falls under the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, abducting over 30 individuals.
Recent data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project indicates that Kogi State recorded at least 150 deaths and 365 kidnappings due to armed violence from January up to mid-December 2025, with Yagba West, Lokoja, and Kabba being among the most severely impacted.
Residents of Odo-Ere reported that the recent attack has escalated fears, particularly for those living near forested areas and waterways that link Kogi to neighboring states.
As the situation remains uncertain, community members are advocating for increased police presence and regular patrols in the affected regions.
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