Youths of Odo-Ape community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, protesting the killing of two persons by gunmen have blocked a federal highway.

Unknown gunmen struck yesterday in Odo-Ape, killing two people in their farm.

A resident of the community, who pleaded anonymity, described the gruesome murder of the two innocent individuals as sad.

He said the gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, gunned down one Tiv man popularly called Mr Black, who was moving his farm produce to the market in preparation for today?s business?l.

?Unfortunately, he could not stop when the gunmen tried to stop him by force, hence they opened fire, killing him on the sport.?

The resident further noted that after they had killed Mr Black, they discovered one Sunday Aiyedero was in a farm within the vicinity.

?Immediately he was sighted, they opened fire, and killed him instantly.?

He said the security situation in Odo-Ape and environs were worrisome, calling on the state government and security agencies to come to their aid.

?We can no longer sleep with our eyes closed,? he said.

Piqued by the latest development, youths of the community, this morning, protested over the sad happenings.

They blocked the federal highway that passes through the community, calling on the federal government to intervene in the worsening security situation in the area.

The youths said the state government has long been silent to their cry for help, hence the need to seek federal government attention.

No less than seven persons have been reportedly kidnapped in the community within the last three months.

In the first week of December 2024, a councillor, Alaba Ope, and eight other persons were taken away in a night raid from their respective houses in the community.

Three weeks prior, three persons, including an 8-year-old boy were abducted from the same community. (Saturday Vanguard)