Suspected Bandits Kidnap 100 year old Chief, Vigilante Officer in Kogi

The Ihale Development Association (IDA) has strongly condemned the gruesome attack on Ihale community by armed bandits yesterday, at about 4:00 p.m.

Chief P. M. B. Omolewa, President of the Association, who confirmed this in statement said during the horrendous invasion, the assailants attacked innocent residents and abducted two respected members of the Ihale Traditional Council, thereby throwing the entire community into fear and distress.

He identified one of the victims, Chief Samuel Fagbemi, the Ba’hale (second-in-command to the Oluhale), who was abducted right in front of his residence.

Chief Samuel Fagbemi is approximately 100 years old and is physically frail, making his continued captivity extremely dangerous and life-threatening.

The second victim, Chief Zacheus Sunday Fagbemi, was abducted along Offere–Ihale Road while returning home. He is not only a member of the Ihale Traditional Council but also a member of the Kogi State Vigilante Service, who has been actively involved in safeguarding lives and property in the community.

Since this unfortunate incident, the entire Ihale community has been engulfed in panic, as the safety and security of lives and property can no longer be guaranteed.

In view of this alarming situation, the Ihale Development Association urgently appeals to the Kabba–Bunu Local Government Authority, Kogi State Government, Federal Government of Nigeria, and all relevant security agencies to immediately swing into action to:

1. Secure the safe and unconditional release of the abducted chiefs.
2. Put in place effective security measures to prevent a recurrence of such attacks in Ihale and its environs.

The lives of our people must not be allowed to remain at the mercy of criminal elements. We sincerely appeal for immediate interventions.