Fear and anxiety have continued to grip residents of Mopa-Amuro Local Government Area of Kogi State following the abduction of a man identified as Aro, popularly known as “Eroku,” with his captors demanding ₦4 million for his release.
SaharaReporters gathered that Aro was kidnapped by suspected terrorists on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Mopa-Amuro LGA, although details surrounding the circumstances of the abduction remain unclear.
According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, the kidnappers established contact with the victim’s son shortly after the abduction and demanded ₦4 million as ransom before they would release him.
Family members disclosed that the abductors have since contacted them again, insisting that the ransom must be paid before Aro would regain his freedom.
The family, however, pleaded with the kidnappers to grant them more time, explaining that they were unable to immediately raise the demanded amount due to financial constraints.
Egbe Mekun Parrot, a local news medium, reports that efforts were ongoing to mobilise funds in the hope of securing the victim’s freedom.
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that four residents abducted by suspected bandits in Oke-Ere community, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, had regained their freedom following a joint rescue operation carried out by local vigilantes and personnel of the Nigerian Army.
The rescue operation came hours after the victims were abducted by armed assailants who invaded the community in the early hours of Sunday, throwing residents into panic.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the gunmen stormed Oke-Ere and abducted four residents, prompting a swift response from local security volunteers and military personnel.
However, the joint security team tracked the kidnappers into the surrounding area, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire between the security operatives and the armed attackers.
During the gun battle, three of the suspected bandits were neutralised, while several others reportedly escaped into nearby bushes with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
One vigilante was also reportedly killed.
(SaharaReporters)
