Olle Buries Two Slain Volunteers, Demands Urgent Security Action to free Abducted residents
The Olle Development Association (ODA) has strongly condemned the continued violent attacks on the Olle community by armed bandits operating within Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, following the killing of two community volunteers and the abduction of nine residents.
The victims, Williams and Olowo, were killed while attempting to rescue residents abducted during the latest attack. They were laid to rest today amid grief and tributes from community members, a development that has further renewed calls for urgent but coordinated action to secure the area. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the community and heightened concerns over the safety of rural populations.
The President of the Olle Development Association, Engr. John Ibisagba, described the incident as a heartbreaking but avoidable tragedy, stressing that it exposes critical security challenges and underscores the need for sustained protection of rural communities. “Williams and Olowo paid the ultimate price defending their people when fear threatened to overwhelm us. Their courage will never be forgotten. However, their deaths should never have happened. This tragedy highlights the security challenges facing rural communities and the need for continued vigilance,” Engr. Ibisagba said.
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The Association extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and affirmed that the entire Olle community stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time.
The ODA confirmed that nine residents of Olle remain in captivity and expressed deep concern for their safety.
“We keep the nine abducted persons in our prayers, and we remain hopeful that they will return safely. We respectfully call for urgent, coordinated, and sincere efforts from all security agencies and stakeholders to ensure their immediate and safe release and to restore lasting peace to our land,” the President added.
While appreciating the existing presence of military personnel in Olle, the Association appealed for enhanced and more visible security measures, including regular patrols and parades along major roads and other vulnerable areas, to further deter criminal activities and reassure residents. The Association also urged community members to remain united, vigilant, and law-abiding, and to continue cooperating fully with security agencies.
“Today we bury our dead, but we will not bury our courage. Olle has endured hardship before, and we will endure again—stronger, united, and resolute,” Engr. Ibisagba stated.
The Olle Development Association called on the Kogi State Government, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to treat the situation with the seriousness it deserves and to take sustained steps to restore peace, safety, and public confidence in the affected communities.
(Democracy Newsline Newspaper, December 23RD 2025)
