Kidnapped daughter escapes as bandits kill Civil Defence officer

Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Monday evening launched a fresh attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), simply identified as Mr. Ayo, and abducting his daughter who escaped later.

Sources said the attackers stormed the community and shot the officer in the head during the assault.

He was reportedly rushed to a medical facility but was confirmed dead on arrival.

His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary as a brought-in-dead case.

The gunmen reportedly fled into the bush with the victim’s first daughter, heightening fears among residents already grappling with increasing insecurity in the area.

‎However, the abducted daughter has been reported to have escaped unhurt from the den the second day (early hours of today, 9/6/2026).

‎The news which was broken to the community brought cheers and jubilation.

“Mr Ayo, who was shot in the head, died instantly while the daughter was whisked away into the bush.

“However, luck smiled at the daughter as she managed to escape from the bandits’ gulag and has since been reunited with the family,” a source in the community confirmed.

‎The police are said to have commenced an investigation into the development.

“Investigation has commenced as the tactical team of the security agencies have launched a massive manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators,” a police source stated.