Kogi State Police have arrested a key suspect linked to the armed attack on Ayegunle Community and the Kabba–Obajana Road last Saturday. The arrest occurred in the early hours of 1st June, 2026, following a distress call at 2:49 a.m. reporting gunfire in the community. A statement by Police Spokesperson ASP Oyiza Afusat said Commissioner of Police CP Naziru Kankarofi immediately deployed tactical units to the area. Joint security forces, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State Vigilante Service, Forest Guards, and Civilian Joint Task Force, responded swiftly.
The attack was orchestrated by bandit leader Batijo, who ordered the invasion at around 2:00 a.m. as retaliation for the arrest of his associates. The traditional ruler of Ayegunle, Oba Sunday Omodamori, was the primary target, but he was not at home during the assault. The attackers ransacked parts of the community and abducted three residents: Ojo Abiodun, Bunmi Sunday, and Chief James Obayomi. Chief James Obayomi was killed while trying to escape.
At Kabba–Obajana Road, the criminals blocked the highway and opened fire on vehicles. They shot the driver of a container truck in both legs and hijacked two 18-seater buses with registration numbers ENU 444 ZJ and MKD 698 XH, abducting several passengers. A third bus, MKA 837 ZA, was fired upon when the driver refused to stop, killing one passenger, Abdullahi Hashimu, and injuring four others who were taken to Kabba medical facilities. About thirty people were abducted in total.
Security operatives tracked the attackers into the forest, leading to a Fulani settlement where the gang had taken about two hundred cattle. During continued operations, they recovered approximately 100 of the rustled cattle and arrested suspect Ibrahim, a core member of Batijo's network. Ibrahim has assisted investigators in identifying other gang members: Aliyu, Lamido, Muhadahire, and Kache.
CP Naziru Kankarofi visited Ayegunle Community with the DSS Director and other senior officers to assess the situation and reassure residents.
The police arrested a suspect tied to an attack that left one dead and thirty abducted, yet the main perpetrator, Batijo, remains at large. The recovery of only half the 200 cattle suggests the operation did not fully intercept the fleeing gang. Residents of Ayegunle and passengers from ENU 444 ZJ, MKD 698 XH, and MKA 837 ZA still face uncertainty while the mastermind evades capture.
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