Panic engulfed Ayetoro-Kiri in Kogi State’s Bunu district after gunmen suspected to be kidnappers invaded the community, seizing six residents and looting a phone shop.
The attackers, who stormed the town on motorcycles Thursday afternoon, opened fire indiscriminately, forcing terrified locals to flee into the bush.
Among those abducted are a timber contractor, Enoch Johnson, a community elder named Maiye, a school security guard, a girl identified as Dupe Oshe, Kehinde Lot, Tope Olorunshe, and an unidentified individual.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen first targeted a phone charging business, stealing over 50 mobile phones before taking hostages.
Oluwatoyin Emmanuel, a resident, recalled, “We heard rapid gunfire and thought it was security personnel, but soon realized it was an attack. People ran in all directions.”
Tolufashe Olusegun, president of the Aiyetoro-Kiri Development Association, expressed frustration over the recurring assaults, stating that locals now live in fear and avoid their farms.
By Friday, most residents had abandoned their homes, seeking refuge in nearby communities. Attempts to reach the Kogi State police for comment were unsuccessful.