Fear grips residents as gunmen open fire, leaving death and abduction in their wake

Armed men attacked the Ayegunle Bunu community, killing two and abducting several residents and travellers in Kogi State 

Local sources report chaos as gunfire erupts, with many fleeing for safety 

Police launched an investigation as the community grapples with the aftermath of the violent raid 

Gunmen invaded the Ayegunle Bunu community, killed two persons, and kidnapped several others in Kogi State.

The armed men blocked the highway linking the town to neighbouring areas in the early hours of Monday, June 1, 2026.

As reported by Daily Trust, residents said the gunmen opened fire on arrival, causing panic as the people fled for safety.

A community source who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “The attack happened around 2:25 am. The sound of gunshots woke everyone up. The gunmen shot and killed two residents and injured several others.”

According to the source, the gunmen abducted two residents from their homes, while other victims were passengers in commercial vehicles who unknowingly ran into the blockade on the highway.

“Efforts are ongoing to determine the exact number of people abducted and the full details of the incident.”

The State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, identified the deceased as a pastor killed at home and a passenger, who was killed in a vehicle.

ASP Saliu said the gunmen blocked the highway leading in and out of Ayegunle Bunu and abducted several travellers. Police disclosed that some victims sustained injuries during the deadly attack.

The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, said operatives had been deployed to the area.

“We have commenced an investigation into the incident.”