Olu Samuel, Lokoja

Nine person s including a Councilor were have been abducted by gunmen at Odo-Ape community in Kabba)Bunu local government area.

Our correspondent gathered that the abduction took place on Tuesday night.

This is coming barely a week after three persons, including an 8 years old boy were abducted from the same community.

Among those kidnapped includes the newly elected Councilor representing Odo-Ape ward in the Kabba-Bunu Legislative Council, Alaba Ope.

Both the councilor and the other eight were picked from their respective houses.

A source from the community confirmed that the gunmen struck at about 1am on Wednesday shooting sporadically before handpicking their victims.

He said the people of Odo-Ape are now living in fear not knowing who will be the next victim, adding that just a week ago, three persons were kidnapped from the community including an eight years old boy.

The source said seven of the kidnapped victims were just residents in the community (5 Gwaris, 2 Bassa), “Only the councilor is an indegene of the community.”

Aside this eight, one other persons whose name was giving as Silas was picked from Agbadu – a community that share boundary with Odo-Ape.

He called on the security agencies and state government to help in protecting their lives, properties and also secure the release of those kidnapped.

It will be recalled that kidnapping cases have been recorded lately in the local government as two brothers were kidnapped on their family land located in Aluju in Kakun while three other persons including a 8 years old boy were abducted in the same Odo -Ape community just last week; all still with at the kidnappers den.

Though the Kogi Police Public Relation Officer, SP William Anya is yet to respond to messages sent to him on return the call put across to him this morning, but a top government Security personnel confirmed the story.

He said the state security apparatus has already swung into action and will make their position known in a short time.

He however assured that government is on top of the situation, urging people to go about their daily businesses without much fear.