Gunmen kidnap fulani leader in Kogi midnight attack, injure 2

Suspected gunmen launched a violent midnight attack on a Fulani settlement in Shagari Village, Lokoja, Kogi State, abducting a local community leader and leaving two family members injured.

The victim, identified as Mallam Iliyasu, was reportedly seized from his home at the Fulani Camp around 12:20 a.m. on Thursday. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the assailants stormed the residence under the cover of darkness, firing several warning shots to instill fear and resistance before dragging the community leader away to an unknown destination.

Eyewitnesses say the gunmen appeared well-armed and acted with military-like coordination. Two members of Iliyasu’s family sustained injuries during the chaotic invasion and are currently receiving medical treatment.

During the incident, Iliyasu’s wife and son, Abdulsalam, sustained gunshot wounds to the arm and leg, respectively, while attempting to resist the abduction.

The injured were rushed to Ashafa Hospital, where they are said to be receiving treatment and are in stable condition.

Security personnel who arrived at the scene reportedly recovered 17 spent AK-47 cartridges, suggesting the attackers were heavily armed.

Confirming the incident, a relative of the abducted leader, Alhaji Ahmadu Yusuf, said: “We appeal for urgent intervention to secure his release.”