Ayetoro-Kiri Saga: 27 Days in the Den of Captivity
Today marks 27 days since kidnappers struck the peaceful community of Aiyetoro-Kiri in Bunuland, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where over 30 people, including the elderly, young, and underage children, were kidnapped by bandits.
The tragic events unfolded in Aiyetoro-Kiri on December 14, 2025, where innocent lives were cruelly snatched by kidnappers. As generally reported on different platforms, 7 victims were released after a ransom of 15 million naira was paid, but sadly, three of them did not survive to tell their stories. over 20 victims are still with their abductors as we speak.
Many prominent Okun stakeholders, including former representative of Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu, Rt Hon Tajudeen Ayo Yusuf, Senator Dino Melaiye, Deji Adeyanju, traditional rulers, and community leaders, have raised their voices to condemn the heinous crimes against the defenceless people of Aiyetoro-Kiri community.
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The issue of insecurity in Okunland has continued to generate concerns as people perpetually live in fear of the unknown, who can strike at any moment. Governments at all levels have been urged to rise to the occasion to guarantee the safety of the people, since the primary responsibility of any government is to protect and secure the people and their properties.
It is high time the Kogi State government stepped up like other states, such as Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger, where kidnapping of such magnitude occurred, and within days, they secured the release of the victims.
Some analysts have criticized the Kogi State government for not visiting the community to show solidarity with these families, who are living in unimaginable anxiety, longing for the safe return of their loved ones.
The activities of these underworld men have left many communities deserted in Okunland, abandoning their ancestral homeland to foreigners who have falsely ejected them from their various communities in the zone.
An appeal has repeatedly gone to the state and federal governments, alerting them that the security challenges in Okunland have escalated beyond what local governments can handle. The crisis demands immediate, strategic, and serious intervention. Lives are being lost, families shattered, and communities terrorized.
Let us continue to pray for those in captivity for God to intervene on their behalf.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 10TH 2026)
