1 Killed, Another Abducted As Gunmen Invade Kogi Market

Suspected gunmen invaded Orie market, killed one person, abducted another and demanded for N20 million ransom.

The incident occurred in Agbedo community -Akpayan in Igalamela/Odolu local government area of Kogi State.

This came a few days after an attack on the convoy of a ceramic company in Ajaokuta LGA of the state.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the hoodlums in their large numbers stormed the market on Sunday at 2pm and started shooting sporadically to scare the people in the market.

This caused pandemonium in the market while one Johnson was hit by the bullets and died in the process.
One other person was said to have been abducted and whisked to an unknown place.
Family sources however disclosed that the family members of the abducted have been contacted and a demand of N20 million ransom for the release of the abducted person have been made.
It was reliably gathered that the incident was the third time in a row when suspected gunmen would attack the market and abduct people and later demand for ransom.
Investigations also revealed that the suspected hoodlums are taking advantage of thick forest between Akpayan in the local government area in the state and the boundary of Enugu and Anambra States to perpetrate their evil acts.
Sources said the people of Agbedo community in Akpayan district of Igalamela/Odolu local government area of Kogi State have continued to appeal to the state government and security agencies to protect them from the incessant attacks by bandits and other criminals.

When contacted, the Kogi State Police public relations office , Willy Aya stated that it was a case of invasion on one Johnson’s shop after being killed, one Edwin was abducted along with many others on the market day .

He however said that the state police command under the Commissioner, Edward Egbuka has mobilised officers to fish out the hoodlums and rescue the kidnapped person without injury.