The Okun Development Association (ODA) has condemned in strong terms the deadly bandit attack on the Ayegunle-Igun Community in the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, which occurred in the early hours of June 1, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Association’s National Publicity Secretary, Dayo Thomas, ODA — led by Ambassador Akenson Rotimi — described the news of the attack as a source of deep grief and measured anger, saying the association received it with heavy hearts.
A Night of Terror
According to the statement, armed bandits struck Ayegunle-Igun under the cover of darkness, unleashing a wave of violence that claimed innocent lives and left the community reeling. Among those killed was a dedicated head teacher, whose death the ODA described as a particularly devastating blow to the community.
“Innocent lives were cut down in cold blood, among them a head teacher whose only crime was devotion to shaping the minds of our children,” the statement read.
Several residents were also abducted in the attack, with ODA noting that their captivity has shattered the peace of families and robbed an entire generation of its sense of safety and hope.
“Ayegunle-Igun Bleeds”
ODA stressed that the attack carries consequences far beyond the affected community, framing it as an assault on the conscience of the entire Okunland region.
“This assault is not limited to Ayegunle-Igun. It strikes at the conscience of Okunland and at every Nigerian who believes that children should never learn in fear and elders should never die in sorrow,” the statement declared.
The Association noted that the death of the slain teacher would “echo in Ayegunle-Igun for years,” and affirmed that all of Okunland mourns alongside the bereaved community.
Commendation and Government Assurances
ODA commended individuals and groups who have shown empathy and engaged security agencies and government authorities in response to the tragedy. The Association also acknowledged assurances from both the Kogi State Government and the Federal Government that efforts are underway to rescue the abducted victims and reinforce security across vulnerable communities in the region.
Demands and Call to Action
The Association issued a series of clear demands to government and security agencies.
ODA called on all security agencies to intensify operations and secure the prompt and safe release of all persons still held in captivity.
The Association urged the government to deploy additional personnel and modern intelligence infrastructure to all vulnerable communities across Okunland.
ODA appealed to its people to remain calm, vigilant, and to exercise the utmost restraint during this period.
The statement closed with a firm pledge of solidarity with those still in captivity: “To those in captivity, we will not rest until they return home in safety.”
A People’s Cry
In an emotional appeal that underscored the broader human cost of insecurity in Okunland, ODA reminded authorities of what is ultimately at stake.
“Our children deserve classrooms without the echo of gunshots. Our farmers deserve fields without the shadow of fear and intimidation. Our mothers and fathers deserve to grow old in dignity and in peace.”
