Bandits kill NSCDC officer, abduct daughter, others in Kogi attack

Gunmen have killed a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Ayo Olukotun, and abducted his daughter along with several other residents during an attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Residents said the attack occurred at about 8:30 pm on Monday when the gunmen stormed the community, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents, many of whom fled for safety. They added that amid the confusion, the attackers reportedly forced their way into the residence of the NSCDC officer, shot him, and abducted his daughter and other victims into a nearby forest.

A community source said Olukotun was rushed to hospital shortly after the attack but was confirmed dead on arrival.

The chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Tosin Olokun, who also serves as Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), said the death of the NSCDC officer was a painful loss to his family, the Odo-Ere community and the entire local government area.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. On behalf of the government and people of Yagba West, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Ayo Olukotun, the people of Odo-Ere and all those affected by this attack,” he added.

Bandits kill NSCDC officer, abduct daughter, others in Kogi attack