Tension gripped Isanlu, headquarters of Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Sunday as residents took to the streets to protest recurring attacks by kidnappers and bandits across several communities.
The peaceful demonstration, held in front of the General Hospital, Isanlu, followed the brutal killing of an elderly woman, Mrs. Elizabeth Olorunshola, who was abducted from Ilafin-Isanlu on Saturday.
Community sources said the victim, who was reportedly ill, was shot dead by her captors after she could not keep pace with them while being taken through the forest. Another victim sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
The incident has plunged the community into mourning and renewed fears over growing insecurity in the area.
Reacting to the development, Chairman of Yagba East LGA, Hon. Joshua Dare Monday, described the killing as “heartbreaking” and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
He assured residents that the council, in collaboration with security agencies, had intensified surveillance operations to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
As part of immediate security measures, the council announced a restriction of access to forests and farmlands in Ilafin, Odogbe, Iye, Ilotin, and Irunda-Ile communities.
The Chairman declared that anyone found operating illegally in the restricted zones would be treated as a bandit or collaborator.
“This directive spares no one — both our sons and outsiders are included. Those using farming as a cover for criminal activities must vacate immediately,” Dare said.
He also warned against aiding or abetting criminal elements, stressing that any insider found providing intelligence or logistics support to bandits would face the same consequences.
“This is our fatherland, and we must protect it at all costs. Security remains my top priority. The security architecture of Yagba East is fully activated, and we are working closely with the state government to secure every inch of our land,” he declared.
Dare further emphasized that only registered and approved miners are permitted to operate within designated mining zones, warning that violators would face severe legal action.