This development occured even as the Okun Development Association expressed worry over insecurity in Okunland.

Some gunmen have abducted a 76-year-old cleric, Pastor Joe Ajayi, from his residence in Odo-Ape, located in the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kabba-Bunu chapter, who is also a retired Major of the Nigerian Army, was abducted by the unidentified gunmen.

He was reportedly taken around 11:30pm on Wednesday.

This development occured even as the Okun Development Association expressed worry over insecurity in Okunland.

According to local sources, the assailants stormed the community, firing sporadic gunshots for over an hour before forcibly taking the retired officer to an unknown location.

Residents of the community have expressed deep concern over Pastor Ajayi’s fragile health, worsened by his age, and the potential risks associated with his abduction.

The incident has intensified fear among locals and sparked renewed calls for enhanced security in the area.

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that gunmen attacked Okoloke, an agrarian community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting four persons.

The latest incident occurred when an unidentified number of armed men stormed the area.

As revealed by local sources, the assailants forced their way into the residence of Ezekiel Durojaiye, a retiree and respected community leader in nearby Okunran village.

The attackers abducted Pa Durojaiye along with three others, whisking them away into the bush at gunpoint. The incident has further heightened fear and tension among residents.

Yagba West has recently become a hotspot for abductions.

A few days ago, SaharaReporters reported that kidnappers attacked a traditional ruler in Kogi State, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, who is the Obalohun of Okoloke, abducting him in the process.

According to reports, the monarch was abducted in the early hours of last Thursday.

Quoting eyewitnesses, it was reported that a group of heavily armed men stormed the monarch’s palace in Okoloke, a serene community in Yagba West Local Government Area, at around 2 a.m.

The assailants overpowered palace guards and forcibly whisked the king away to an unknown location. The operation was said to be swift.

The development was also confirmed by the Kogi State Police Command.

The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Tosin Olokun, condemned the abduction of the monarch by the armed bandits in a statement.

"This reprehensible attack on a reverred traditional ruler is a direct affront to our cultural values and peaceful coexistence. It is unacceptable and stands condemned."

"In swift response, security operatives, in collaboration with local hunters, have launched coordinated operations to rescue the abducted monarch and others held captive. Search efforts are ongoing, with intensified surveillance in key areas."

"The local government is working closely with all relevant security agencies to ensure prompt and decisive action. Every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe return of His Royal Highness and others in captivity."

"We appeal to the good people of Yagba West, especially residents of Okoloke and surrounding communities, to remain calm and cooperative. While we understand the fear and concern this situation may cause, we urge everyone to stay alert and security conscious."