Suspected kidnappers have reportedly abducted the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Leader of Ogbabede Ward, Mr Arome Adaji, and his wife, Justina, from their home in Abocho, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Armed men reportedly stormed the couple’s residence along Ajegwuna Road at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday, firing shots that forced neighbours to remain indoors.
Residents discovered that Adaji, popularly known as Iron Gate, and his wife had been taken away after the attackers left.
Residents recount gunshots
A resident who identified himself as Ndamodu said the couple were relaxing at home when gunfire broke out around their residence.
“The sound of gunshots scared residents from coming out, as no one wanted to be caught in either crossfire or stray bullets,” he said.
According to him, neighbours emerged after the gunmen departed and discovered that the couple had been abducted.
Community leader raises concern over attacks on homes
A community leader, Surveyor Agono Eneogba, said residents were concerned about armed groups targeting homes, farms and farm settlements across Kogi East.
He attributed the reported shift to increased surveillance on roads by security operatives, vigilantes and local hunters.
“For weeks now, the armed hoodlums have scaled down activities on roads, focusing on residences and farms or farm settlements where they are abducting people at an alarming rate,” Eneogba said.
His assessment comes amid previous reports of attacks on travellers, including the abduction of passengers from three buses on a Kogi highway.
The Bureau Journal has also reported on an operation that rescued kidnapped victims in Itobe, reflecting ongoing security interventions in the district.
Earlier family abduction reported
Community accounts indicated that a mother and her four children were abducted a few weeks earlier while returning from a burial ceremony in the area.
The family reportedly regained freedom after a ransom payment. Details of that incident, including the amount allegedly paid, were not provided.
When contacted about the latest abduction, Kogi State Police Command spokesperson ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat replied, “noted”. The response did not provide confirmation of the circumstances or details of any rescue operation.
The whereabouts of Adaji and his wife remained unknown in the account available at the time of reporting.
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