Breaking: Yoruba community in Kogi under threat as gunmen kill three 48hrs after kidnap of Yoruba monarch

May 18, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

A fresh wave of violence has hit a Yoruba community in Kogi State, leaving three young boys dead at the hands of suspected herdsmen.

The incident occurred in Ololoke, the same community where His Royal Majesty, Oba J D Ogunyanda, was kidnapped just a few days ago.

According to eyewitnesses, the victims were on their way to Egbe, another major Yoruba community in Kogi State, when they were ambushed by heavily armed men believed to be herdsmen.

The gunmen opened fire on the boys, killing them instantly, before retreating into the bush.

The Akogum of Irele Ekiti, Chief Abejide Kehinde, condemned the attack, describing it as “one too many.”

He expressed deep concern over the relentless killings perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen, stating, “They are killing us like chicken.

Our people cannot continue to farm. They can’t go to the stream. Fear has been imposed on us not because we cannot fight back but our hands are tied by the Nigerian state.”

Chief Kehinde emphasized that the three boys did not provoke the armed men, who showed no mercy in their attack.

In a statement signed by Ajayi Olowo on behalf of the youths in Okoloke, it was revealed that another three promising young men were killed by Fulani armed men in Okoloke on Saturday.

The youth leader described the killings as a declaration of war on his people. He also raised a thought-provoking question, saying, “I cannot imagine what would happen if armed Yoruba youths invade the North West and begin to kidnap Emirs, rape their wives, and kill their youths.”

He added that, having grown up in the North, he knew such an action would have led to mass uprising in the North.

According to the statement, the victims were on a motorcycle, heading to Egbe in search of fuel for the community’s Glo mask celebration when they were met by a team of terrorists who opened fire on them.

The Oba of Okoloke, who was kidnapped three days ago, remains in captivity.

The community is gripped with fear and anxiety, wondering when the violence will end.

The recent attacks have raised serious concerns about the safety and security of Yoruba communities in Kogi State, with many calling for urgent Government intervention to address the crisis.