Bandits have freed the remaining three residents of the Olle-Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State after collecting three motorcycles as additional ransom.
The victims were released on Saturday following several days of negotiations between the kidnappers and representatives of the community, according to reports from a local community newspaper.
Earlier, some of the abducted residents had been released, but the bandits continued to hold the final three captives, demanding further payments despite earlier ransoms reportedly paid by families and community members. The negotiations reportedly stretched on until the community met the latest conditions set by the kidnappers.
Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area has experienced a rise in violent attacks and abductions in recent months. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over worsening insecurity, particularly in rural areas where they say security presence remains inadequate and irregular.
Previously, five women abducted from the same Olle-Bunu community were released after residents reportedly raised ₦12 million in ransom. That amount was said to have been contributed collectively by families of the victims, community leaders, and other residents. However, fears persisted at the time over the safety of the remaining captives, who were still in detention despite the payment.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the Kogi State Police Command regarding the latest release were unsuccessful, as calls to the command’s spokesperson were not returned as of the time of reporting.
The Olle-Bunu abductions reflect a broader security challenge facing Kogi State. Several incidents of kidnapping and deadly attacks have been reported across the Yagba and Kabba/Bunu axes, including assaults on communities, attacks on places of worship, and cases where abducted persons were killed even after ransom payments were made.
In many instances, communities have resorted to collective fundraising to secure the release of kidnapped residents. Locals say these measures are driven by fear for the lives of captives and delays in rescue operations.
Nationally, kidnapping remains a major security concern. A report published by SBM Intelligence in August 2025 revealed that thousands of people were abducted across Nigeria within a one-year period, with billions of naira paid as ransom. The report noted that ransom payments do not always guarantee the safety of victims, as some captives were killed despite payments being made.
For residents of Olle-Bunu and similar communities in Kogi State, the release of the remaining captives has brought relief, but it has also renewed anxiety over the persistent cycle of abductions, ransom demands, and the long-term impact of insecurity on daily life and livelihoods.
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