Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State has been thrown into deep mourning following the confirmation that three residents who were recently abducted by bandits have died, even after ransom was paid through communal contributions.
SaharaReporters gathered that seven abductees were eventually released by the kidnappers. Tragically, three of them were already dead upon arrival at medical facilities, while four others are currently hospitalised and battling for their lives. Meanwhile, about 30 residents of the community remain in captivity, with their fate uncertain.
The incident has reignited anger and despair in Ayetoro-Kiri and the wider Bunu land, where residents claim they have been left at the mercy of bandits amid what they describe as official negligence and worsening insecurity.
In a statement signed by the community spokesperson, David Ampitan, and obtained by SaharaReporters, the community lamented that instead of taking decisive steps to protect lives, rescue abducted victims, or pursue perpetrators, authorities allegedly turned against the people.
According to the statement, the Kogi State Government, acting through the Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government, responded to the community’s outcry by tear-gassing and arresting peaceful protesters who were demanding security, justice, and the rescue of their kidnapped relatives.
“Recently, scores of residents were abducted by bandits. After painful ransom payments 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,” the statement read.
Residents described the situation as a complete failure of security governance, noting that while bandits continue to operate freely, killing, kidnapping, and terrorising communities, peaceful protesters are treated as criminals.
“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,” the statement added.
The people of Ayetoro-Kiri said they are exhausted by the cycle of violence and extortion. “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,” the statement said.
They called on the Nigerian government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to urgently intervene in Ayetoro-Kiri and across the Bunu district, rescue those still in captivity, restore security, and hold accountable officials accused of ignoring or enabling the crisis.
“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 added.
Earlier reports indicated that some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force dispersed youths from Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area with tear gas during a protest over worsening insecurity. The demonstrators had blocked a major road, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards to highlight the escalating violence and displacement of residents.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, protesters were seen holding placards with inscriptions such as “Bunuland Bleeds” and “Why Should We Ask for Permission to Live?” One of the protesters lamented that dozens of communities had been completely deserted due to persistent attacks and killings.
“We have 44 communities in Bunuland. Those communities have been deserted. Communities like Kayetoro, Kiri, Ole, and others. The last time people were killed in Ole, about three people were murdered. Many more have been killed over time,” the protester said.
He added that fear and insecurity had forced residents to flee their ancestral homes. “There is nobody left in those communities. People have abandoned their homes. The police are here now, and they have been shooting tear gas at us,” he said.
Despite the tear gas attack, the protesters insisted they would not back down from demanding urgent action from the government and security agencies. “But we are resolute. We are not leaving here. We are resolute,” the protester declared.
The protest was eventually disrupted when police fired multiple rounds of tear gas, forcing the demonstrators to disperse and clearing the road.
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