Gunmen suspected to be terrorists have kidnapped a timber dealer and one of his workers in Okoloke, a community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, heightening fears amid a surge in abductions across the region.

SaharaReporters gathered that the victims were seized while working on a farm in the area. The attackers were said to have invaded the site unexpectedly, firing sporadically and causing workers to scatter in panic.

A labourer who managed to escape confirmed the incident to residents, explaining that the gunmen overpowered the businessman and one of his staff before taking them into the forest.

Rising Insecurity Across Yagba Communities

Communities in Yagba East and Yagba West — particularly those bordering Kwara State — have witnessed an alarming increase in armed attacks, kidnappings, and other violent crimes in recent months.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported the prolonged captivity of Prophetess Iyabo Yagba Asuajo, Secretary to the Chairman of Yagba East LGA, who has now spent over 19 days in the kidnappers’ den after she and her husband, Prophet Michael, were abducted along the Egbe–Eruku Road on October 25, 2025.

The family disclosed that despite paying a ₦10 million ransom, only the husband was released, while Prophetess Asuajo remains held by the kidnappers.

Okun Media Hub, a local news platform, quoted a distressed family member as lamenting the silence of local authorities and the slow pace of intervention by security agencies.

“My mother-in-law is still in their custody. She has not been released since October 25. The kidnappers collected ₦10 million and released only my father-in-law. The chairman has been silent, and we don’t know what else to do. Please help us,” the relative said.

Families, Residents Demand Urgent Action

The family described her prolonged abduction as emotionally devastating and called for urgent intervention from the Kogi State Government, Yagba East LGA officials, and security agencies before the situation deteriorates further.

They appealed to Governor Usman Ododo, the Kogi State Police Command, and other relevant security units to intensify rescue operations and ensure Prophetess Asuajo is safely reunited with her family.

Residents of Yagba East have also raised renewed concerns over the escalating insecurity along the Egbe–Eruku axis, urging authorities to take decisive action to curb kidnappings and restore public confidence in the area.