Gunmen have reportedly killed two people and injured another in an attack on Ibado-Akpacha, a community in Akpacha Ward of the Ife District, Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to reports, the attackers stormed the area between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday, November 5, 2025, firing indiscriminately and robbing residents.
The victims—whose identities had not been confirmed at the time of reporting—were said to be local miners who moved to the community about two years ago following the discovery of coal in the area.
A community leader on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen also carried out multiple robberies during the assault.
“The criminals broke into houses and shops at the village junction, carting away money, consumables, and assorted goods,” he said.
“We were all trapped indoors, torn between running for safety or staying on our beds to pray for divine protection. We only came out at dawn when it was clear the gunmen had left, and that was when we found the victims.”
He added that the attackers operated for nearly an hour without resistance from security operatives or local vigilantes due to the sophistication of their weapons.
“It would have been a major disaster if anyone had tried to confront them,” he said.
As of press time, the Kogi State Police Command had yet to respond to calls and messages seeking confirmation or comment on the incident.
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma, have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered N3.8 million meant for ransom payment during an operation in Kogi State.
Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, said the rescue took place on November 2, 2025, following credible intelligence about kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis.
He said the troops received reports that relatives of some victims were on their way to deliver ransom and immediately launched a patrol to Achigili Forest to intercept the bandits.
While on route, the soldiers came under fire from the kidnappers but overpowered them in a gun battle. The criminals abandoned two victims and the ransom money before escaping into the forest with gunshot wounds.
According to Abdullahi, the rescued victims were debriefed to assist further investigations, while the recovered cash was returned to them. They are currently in safe custody at the troops’ location pending handover to the relevant authorities.
