Bandits have reportedly collected a ₦6 million ransom from the family of a kidnapped farmer in Kogi State but have refused to release him, instead demanding additional payments.

The victim, Alabi Dada Babatege, popularly known as Old Soldier, was abducted from his farm on December 12, 2025, in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, the kidnappers have since re-established contact with the family, demanding an additional ₦14 million and two Bajaj motorcycles as fresh conditions for his release.

Local platform Egbe Mekun reported that Babatege was kidnapped from his farm located behind St. Kizito’s College. Witnesses said the attackers struck in broad daylight, storming the area and forcibly taking the farmer before fleeing into nearby bushes.

Despite the family raising and paying the initial ₦6 million ransom under intense pressure, the abductors failed to free him and instead escalated their demands.

The incident adds to growing security concerns in Kogi State. Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was killed on Sunday night when suspected terrorists attacked a police position at Obajana, where security personnel are stationed at the Dangote Cement Factory.

Security sources disclosed that the attackers stormed the area late Sunday night in large numbers, describing the assault as a reprisal following a recent military operation in which over 200 terrorists were reportedly killed.

“We lost one CJTF member during the attack. There was no police casualty and no arms were lost,” a security source said.

The source added that the terrorists attempted to overrun the police position but were repelled by security forces, suffering further casualties as they retreated.

Another source confirmed that troops stationed at the Dangote Cement Factory held their ground throughout the attack, forcing the assailants to withdraw after sustaining heavy losses.