Three young men returning from their mother’s burial in Agboro, Kwara State, have been abducted by suspected terrorists who are now demanding a total ransom of ₦30 million. The victims — Isanlu Bidemi (33), Olumide (30), and their 17-year-old cousin, Moses — were kidnapped on Sunday, December 7, 2025, along the increasingly notorious Odo-Ogbe axis in Yagba East Local Government Area.
The men were reportedly heading home after laying their mother to rest when they ran into the armed attackers. Another traveler, described as a Hausa man, was also seized during the ambush.
A family source told Chronicles Reporters that the ordeal has plunged the already grieving family into deeper anguish. According to the source, the kidnappers demanded ₦10 million per victim, excluding the fourth abductee. A ₦3 million offer raised by the family was rejected, and the abductors allegedly escalated their threats while subjecting the captives to severe beatings.
The kidnappers have been making repeated ransom calls using a single basic torchlight phone — the only phone the victims had with them at the time.
Residents of Yagba East and Yagba West have reacted with outrage, describing the attack as yet another indicator of the deteriorating security situation in the region. Community members say the incident amounts to a cruel assault on a family still mourning their mother.
Sunday’s abduction marks yet another violent incident reported along the Odo-Ogbe axis. Earlier that afternoon, bandits struck in the same area, kidnapping four motorcycle travelers in broad daylight. One of the victims from that earlier attack is identified locally as Oju Lari, whose photo has been circulated in hopes of locating him.
Witnesses said the gunmen emerged suddenly, blocked the road, and dragged the victims into the forest within minutes. The stretch of road is now widely regarded as a danger zone.
Community leaders are urging security agencies and the Kogi State government to take immediate and sustained action, warning that unchecked kidnappings have crippled rural movement and left residents living in constant fear.