Youths Block Highway in Protest After Gunmen Kill Two in Odo-Ape, Kogi State

Youths from Odo-Ape community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have staged a protest by blocking a federal highway following the killing of two individuals by gunmen on January 2, 2025. The attack occurred on a farm in the community, where the victims, identified as a Tiv man known as Mr. Black and Sunday Aiyedero, were shot dead by suspected kidnappers.

A resident of Odo-Ape, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the killings as tragic, stating that Mr. Black was killed while attempting to transport his farm produce to the market. The gunmen attempted to stop him, but when he failed to comply, they opened fire, killing him instantly. Afterward, the gunmen spotted Aiyedero in a nearby farm and shot him dead as well.

The community has expressed growing concern over the worsening security situation, with locals saying they can no longer feel safe. “We can no longer sleep with our eyes closed,” said the resident.

In response to the killings, the youths of the community took to the streets in protest, blocking the federal highway passing through Odo-Ape. They are demanding action from the federal government, criticizing the state government for its perceived lack of response to their pleas for help.

Over the past three months, the community has experienced rising insecurity, with at least seven people reported kidnapped. This includes a raid in December 2024, where a councillor and eight other residents were abducted. The situation in the area has led to increasing calls for more robust security measures.