We are tired of burying our loved ones – Aiyetoro Kiri community

Richard Elesho

Residents of the Aiyetoro Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State where bandits abducted scores of worshippers from a church some weeks ago have cried out over what they described as official negligence and worsening insecurity in the area.

They lamented that the situation has plunged the people into mourning and added that they were tired of burying their people.

Spokesperson of the community, David Amupita, who made this known in a statement on Saturday, disclosed that many of the recent victims were discovered dead after heavy ransoms have been paid.

He decried the complete failure of law enforcement agencies to secure the area and accused the Kogi State Government of using teargas to disperse people who were protesting the lack of protection in the district.

The statement reads:

“The people of Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State are once again plunged into grief and despair following persistent bandit attacks, official negligence, and worsening insecurity in Bunu land.

“Recently, scores of residents were abducted by bandits. After painful ransom payment raised through communal contributions, only seven victims were released.

“Sadly, three of them were already dead-on arrival, while four others are currently battling for their lives in critical condition at medical facilities.

“About thirty innocent citizens remain in captivity, their fate uncertain.

“This tragic development underscores the complete failure of security and governance in the area. Rather than protect vulnerable communities or pursue the perpetrators, the Kogi State Government, acting through the Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government, responded by teargassing and arresting peaceful protesters who were merely demanding safety, justice, and the rescue of their loved ones.

“It is both ironic and unacceptable that a government entrusted with the protection of lives and property would instead criminalise peaceful protest, while bandits roam freely, killing, kidnapping, and terrorising law-abiding citizens.

“Our people are tired of burying loved ones, tired of selling properties and contributing scarce resources to pay ransom, and tired of living under perpetual fear while those in authority remain indifferent.

“We hereby appeal, urgently, to the Federal Government of Nigeria, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to intervene decisively in Ayetoro-Kiri and the entire Bunu district.

“Immediate action must be taken to rescue those still in captivity, restore security, and hold accountable all officials who enable or ignore this humanitarian tragedy.

“The lives of Bunu people matter. Enough is sincerely ENOUGH?”