Local sources confirmed to news outlet Egbe Mekun Parrot that Aina was kidnapped on January 12, 2026, around Okunran in Yagba West, as part of efforts to secure the release of abducted persons.
A resident of Yagba East Local Government Area, Kogi State, Gbenga Aina, has been released after being abducted while attempting to deliver ransom for victims of earlier kidnappings in the area.
Local sources confirmed to news outlet Egbe Mekun Parrot that Aina was kidnapped on January 12, 2026, around Okunran in Yagba West, as part of efforts to secure the release of abducted persons.
He was freed by his captors, marking the latest development in a series of security challenges in the region.
The incident is linked to a previous attack in Isanlu Makutu on December 23, 2025, during which two residents were abducted.
One of the victims was later identified as Segun, while the identity of the second person remained unconfirmed at the time. Both victims were reportedly released on January 12, 2026, following negotiations.
”Sources further disclosed that the two victims connected to the December 23 abduction were released on January 12, 2026, following negotiations,” the report said.
Community members have voiced concern over the increasing risk of abductions, particularly the targeting of individuals involved in ransom negotiations.
Many described the situation as dangerous and unpredictable, urging authorities to take immediate action.
Kidnapping has become increasingly common in Kogi State. Last Thursday, SaharaReporters reported that suspected terrorists abducted two traditional chiefs in Ihale-Bunu, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were identified as Chief Samuel Fagbemi and Chief Zacheus Sunday Fagbemi, the latter a member of the Kogi State Vigilante Service.
Meanwhile, the abduction occurred last Wednesday afternoon when heavily armed assailants stormed Ihale-Bunu with over 20 motorcycles
SaharaReporters further gathered that the abducted chiefs are well-known figures in the community.
SaharaReporters previously reported that terrorists had released the final batch of six abductees taken from Aiyetoro Kiri community in Bunu land, Kogi State, following weeks of intense negotiations and ransom payments.
The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association (AKBDA) confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, describing the release as the end of a long, traumatic ordeal for the victims, their families, and the entire community.
The abductees were members of First ECWA Aiyetoro Kiri who were kidnapped during an attack on the community on December 14, 2025.
According to AKBDA, the release of the six individuals marks the conclusion of a phased process that began earlier this year after prolonged engagement with the abductors.
The association disclosed that the first batch of seven abducted persons was released on January 1, 2026, following initial negotiations and payments.
Despite the emotional toll and mounting financial burden on families and the community, talks continued, leading to the release of three additional victims on January 12, 2026.
Fourteen more abductees were freed the following day, while the remaining six were released in the most recent development.
AKBDA said securing the freedom of all the abducted members required “enormous resources,” including substantial financial contributions from families, community members, and sympathisers, as well as sustained dialogue under difficult and uncertain conditions.