A protest broke out in the Isanlu community of Yagba East Local Government Area, Kogi State, on Sunday, following the killing of a well-known elderly woman, Mrs. Elizabeth Olorunshola, by suspected bandits.
The incident occurred on Saturday night at Ilafin-Isanlu, where armed men reportedly abducted Mrs. Olorunshola and another resident along the Ilafin-Isanlu Road.
According to community sources, the attackers killed the woman after realizing she was too weak to continue walking through the forest to their hideout.
Her body was found in the bush the next morning, sparking fear and anger among residents. Some community members were said to have started relocating to nearby towns and villages for safety.
Community leaders condemn killing, call for action
The President of the Ilafin Development Association (IDA), Mr. Idowu Awe, described the killing as sad and disheartening.
He said the entire community was mourning the loss and urged residents to remain calm while leaders discussed how best to strengthen security.
“Today, we had a terrible and disturbing experience that led to the loss of one of our great daughters and mothers, Mrs. Elizabeth Olorunshola. This challenge has received the attention of our elders and leaders. Discussions are ongoing on how to secure our community,” Awe said in a statement.
The Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, Hon. (Dr.) Joshua Dare Monday, also condemned the attack, calling it “heartbreaking” and promising that the perpetrators would be tracked down and brought to justice.
Lawmakers and police respond to the attack
Similarly, the Member representing Yagba East-West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, condemned the abduction and killing. He assured residents that both the kidnappers and their informants would be arrested and prosecuted.
However, efforts to get comments from the spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, CSP William Aya, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages at the time of filing this report.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the increasing wave of insecurity in parts of Kogi State, as residents continue to demand stronger government action to protect lives and property.
