Residents of a Kogi community were thrown into panic on Monday following a fresh attack by suspected terrorists who abducted a prominent timber businessman and several of his staff members.
The armed men reportedly stormed the community in the early hours, shooting sporadically to instill fear before whisking away their victims. Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived through a forest route often exploited by criminal gangs operating in the area.
According to local sources, the businessman, well-known in the timber trade within Kogi and neighboring states, was supervising operations when the gunmen invaded. Workers on site were forced into vehicles and taken to an unknown location.
Community leaders have described the incident as “one attack too many,” expressing concern over the rising wave of kidnappings and violent crimes in the region. They called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and restore calm.
Security operatives have reportedly begun combing surrounding forests, though no official statement has yet been released by state authorities regarding the incident.
Residents remain fearful as the latest abduction adds to a growing list of security breaches that have plagued the area in recent months. Authorities are expected to convene an emergency meeting with local vigilantes and traditional rulers to coordinate a stronger response.
More updates are expected as investigations continue and efforts to secure the victims’ release intensify.
