Residents of Egbe town in Kogi State’s Yagba West Local Government Area are on high alert after bandits used a disturbing new tactic: spraying chemical substances in homes to sedate victims before abducting them.
Two separate attacks hit the community early Monday, November 24, 2025, leaving two residents kidnapped and another narrowly escaping after sending a distress message.
The bandits, described as sophisticated and dangerous, targeted a staff member’s home at ECWA Hospital in Odorum around 11 pm, jumping the fence and spending over 90 minutes inside while spraying a “turari”-like chemical that caused weakness in those who inhaled it.
Luckily, the resident wasn’t in his usual room and alerted vigilantes, who fired warning shots and chased the attackers away.
In a second attempt near Baba Labourer/Government Secondary School, Egbe vigilantes thwarted the abduction, with no casualties reported.
The community praises the vigilantes for their bravery and quick response, which prevented further tragedy.
This incident adds to a worrying trend of armed attacks, kidnappings, and violence in Yagba East and West, especially near Kwara State.
Just last Tuesday, a timber supplier and his worker were abducted in Okoloke. Authorities are assessing the situation, and residents are urged to stay vigilant.