Residents of Ejiba community in Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi State, are counting losses and grappling with fear after a group of armed bandits launched a violent attack on the town late Monday night. The assailants, who reportedly arrived in large numbers, stormed homes, fired sporadic shots into the air, and abducted several community members, leaving the area in a state of panic.
Eyewitnesses said the attack began around 10:30 PM, catching many families off guard while they slept. “They broke into houses, shot into the air, and ordered people out. Some managed to escape into the bushes, while others were taken away,” one resident told local reporters. Several homes and shops were vandalized, and valuables—including electronics, cash, and livestock—were looted during the raid.
The local vigilante group and community leaders attempted to resist the attackers, but they were overpowered by the heavily armed assailants. By the time security operatives arrived, the gunmen had reportedly fled into nearby forests, leaving destruction in their wake. Residents say that such attacks have become increasingly frequent, heightening anxiety among rural communities in Kogi State.
Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident and deployed additional personnel to the area to conduct search-and-rescue operations and restore order. Spokesperson DSP William Aya urged community members to remain indoors and report any suspicious activity, promising that investigations are underway to track and apprehend the perpetrators.
Traditional rulers and local leaders have called on both state and federal authorities to strengthen security in vulnerable communities, warning that repeated attacks could lead to long-term displacement and economic hardship for the residents. Humanitarian groups are also monitoring the situation, ready to provide emergency support to displaced families.
This latest incident comes amid rising concerns over insecurity in several rural areas of Kogi State, where banditry, kidnappings, and armed raids have disrupted farming, commerce, and daily life. Analysts say that tackling these security challenges will require coordinated military, police, and community vigilance, alongside socio-economic interventions to reduce the appeal of criminal activities.
Sources
Eyewitness accounts from Ejiba residents
Kogi State Police Command statements
Local vigilante group reports
Kogi State government press releases
Community leaders’ briefings
