Suspected bandits have killed an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and abducted his daughter during a fresh attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in the Okun axis of Kogi West Senatorial District, where a series of deadly attacks have been recorded in recent weeks.
Sources within the community identified the slain officer simply as Ayo, saying the gunmen stormed his residence before opening fire on him and whisking away his first daughter.
Residents said the officer sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was rushed to a medical facility for treatment.
However, he reportedly died before doctors could stabilise him due to excessive blood loss.
His remains were later deposited in a mortuary.
The abduction of his daughter has further deepened fears among residents, many of whom say they now live under constant threat of attacks by armed groups operating in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The latest attack comes barely a week after armed men invaded Aiyegunle-Igun in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where two persons were killed and more than 30 others abducted.
Three days after that incident, another group of gunmen reportedly attacked Ikoyi community in Ijumu Local Government Area during a burial ceremony, killing three persons and abducting several others.
Residents said no significant breakthrough had been recorded in securing the release of victims from the previous attacks, a development that has fuelled anxiety across affected communities.
Community leaders and residents have renewed calls for urgent intervention by security agencies, urging the government to strengthen security operations in Kogi West to curb the growing wave of kidnappings and killings.
The recurring attacks have continued to raise concerns about the safety of lives and property in the region, with residents demanding decisive action to halt the activities of criminal gangs terrorising rural communities.