According to report by Vanguard on Monday, June 1, 2026, residents of Ayegunle Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State were thrown into panic early Monday, June 1, 2026, after armed bandits launched an attack that resulted in the death of one person and the abduction of more than 30 others.
Preliminary accounts indicate the incident happened around 2:25 a.m., when the attackers stormed the area and carried out the raid with little resistance.
One resident was killed during the assault, while another person sustained injuries of varying severity.
Community sources said two of those abducted were residents of Ayegunle Bunu, a man and a woman, while the rest were passengers travelling in a commercial bus intercepted by the gunmen along the route.
The bus was reportedly forced to stop before the passengers were taken away by the attackers to an unknown location.
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, confirmed the incident while speaking to journalists at the Passing-Out Parade of 565 newly trained police constables in Lokoja.
He said investigations had commenced and assured that security operatives were actively working to secure the release of the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Authorities have intensified search-and-rescue operations in the area as efforts continue to track the movement of the abductors and ensure the safe return of the victims.
Security presence has been increased around vulnerable communities in Kabba/Bunu LGA following the incident to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents.
Residents remain anxious as they await updates on the fate of those kidnapped, while local leaders have urged calm and cooperation with security agencies.
Community stakeholders are also calling for stronger security deployment in rural areas to address recurring cases of banditry and abductions in the region.
Weeks ahead will determine rescue outcomes as operations continue across forested escape routes across affected communities in Kogi.
