Kogi Youths Teargassed While Protesting Rampant Killings, Kidnappings, Deserted Communities

One of the protesters, who spoke during the protest, lamented that dozens of communities had been completely deserted due to persistent attacks and killings.

Nigeria Police Force personnel on Friday dispersed youths from Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State with teargas as they protested worsening insecurity and the abandonment of several communities in the area.

The protesters, mostly youths from Bunuland, had blocked a major road during the peaceful demonstration, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards to draw attention to the escalating violence and displacement of residents.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the demonstrators were seen singing while holding placards with bold inscriptions such as “Bunuland Bleeds” and “Why Should We Ask for Permission to Live?”

One of the protesters, who spoke during the protest, 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,” the protester said.

“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.”

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 teargas at us,” he said.

Despite the teargas 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.

However, the protest was eventually disrupted when police fired multiple rounds of tear gas, forcing the demonstrators to disperse and clearing the road.

Residents of Kabba-Bunu and surrounding areas have repeatedly raised concerns over rampant insecurity, including killings, kidnappings, and the occupation of farmlands, accusing authorities of failing to protect lives and property.

Recently, SaharaReporters reported that several persons had reportedly been abducted along the Omi-Odo Ara Road in Yagba West Local Government Area, according to local sources.

The incident occurred on December 30, 2025, though the exact number of victims and their identities remain unconfirmed.

In a similar incident in the local government area, SaharaReporters reported on Monday that tension had gripped Odo-Ere community following a coordinated Sunday night attack by terrorists that resulted in the abduction of at least four residents.

Those kidnapped during the raid were identified as Engr. Shina Ajere, Mr. Kehinde Afolabi, Damilola Ogun, and a woman popularly known in the community as Iya Lara.

SaharaReporters gathered that the attackers, believed to be heavily armed, stormed the community and moved from house to house, firing sporadically.

However, residents said the total number of victims abducted during the attack remained unclear, fuelling fears that more residents might have been taken away by the gunmen.

According to Egbe Mekun, another apartment was also targeted by the assailants.

The building reportedly bore visible gunshot marks, with a bullet penetrating the house. The attackers, however, were unsuccessful in gaining entry into the apartment.

Residents described the incident as chaotic and terrifying, as the sound of gunfire echoed across the community.