“₦10M Paid, Yet Prophetess Held 19 Days in Kogi – Family Cries Out”

The family of Prophetess Iyabo Yagba Asuajo, Secretary to the Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, has raised alarm over her prolonged captivity — 19 days after she was abducted by gunmen along the Egbe–Eruku Road.

Voice of the People (VOP NG) earlier reported that Prophetess Asuajo and her husband, Prophet Michael, were kidnapped on October 25, 2025, while travelling along the notorious route, which has witnessed repeated bandit attacks in recent months.

Despite the payment of a ₦10 million ransom, the family says only the husband was released, while the Council Secretary remains in captivity.

Okun Media Hub, a local platform, on Friday quoted a distressed family member who expressed frustration over the silence of local authorities and the slow pace of security intervention.

“My mother-in-law is still in their custody. She has not been released since October 25. The kidnappers collected ₦10 million and released only my father-in-law. The chairman has been silent, and we don’t know what else to do. Please help us,” the relative said.

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The family described Prophetess Asuajo’s continued detention as emotionally devastating and appealed to the Kogi State Government, the Yagba East Local Government authorities, and security agencies to urgently intervene before the situation worsens.

They called on Governor Usman Ododo, the Kogi State Police Command, and other relevant security formations to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of the Council Secretary.

Residents of Yagba East have also expressed growing concerns over insecurity along the Egbe–Eruku axis, urging the government to take decisive action to curb kidnappings and restore safety in the area.

Voice of the People (VOP NG) previously reported that terrorists attacked a commercial bus, killing one passenger and injuring several others along the Ayere–Kabba road in the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Sources told VOP NG on Monday that the attack occurred around 5pm on Sunday when gunmen opened fire on travellers along the busy route.

According to a witness, some vehicles managed to escape the ambush, but several passengers were struck by bullets.

“One person was confirmed dead at the general hospital, while others are receiving treatment for gunshot injuries,” the source said.

Residents say the Ayere–Kabba axis has become increasingly dangerous for travellers, with frequent attacks by armed gangs believed to be operating between Kogi and neighbouring Kwara State.