The people of Ayetoro-Kiri community in the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi on Saturday disclosed that three of their people abducted have died, four hospitalised while about thirty are still in captivity.

This is contained in a press statement issued by the community spokesperson, David Ampitan on Saturday and made available to newsmen in Lokoja.

“Recently, scores of residents were abducted by bandits. After painful ransom payment raised through communal contributions, only seven victims were released. Sadly, three of them were already dead on arrival, while four others are currently battling for their lives in critical condition at medical facilities. About thirty innocent citizens remain in captivity, their fate uncertain.

“This tragic development underscores the complete failure of security governance in the area. Rather than protect vulnerable communities or pursue the perpetrators, the Kogi State Government, acting through the Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government, allegedly responded by tear-gassing and arresting peaceful protesters who were merely demanding safety, justice, and the rescue of their loved ones.

“It is both ironic and unacceptable that a government entrusted with the protection of lives and property would instead criminalise peaceful protest, while bandits roam freely, killing, kidnapping, and terrorising law-abiding citizens.

“Our people are tired of burying loved ones, tired of selling properties and contributing scarce resources to pay ransom, and tired of living under perpetual fear while those in authority remain indifferent.

“We hereby appeal, urgently, to the Federal Government of Nigeria, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to intervene decisively in Ayetoro-Kiri and the entire Bunu district. Immediate action must be taken to rescue those still in captivity, restore security, and hold accountable all officials who enable or ignore this humanitarian tragedy.

“The lives of Bunu people matter. Enough is Enough,” the statement read. (Sunday Tribune)