![Popular Small-Size Actress Aunty Ajara Dies After Liver Illness [VIDEO]](https://thepunchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20241109_125042-75x75.jpg)
Former federal lawmaker and senator, Dino Melaye, has condemned the killing of three residents of Ayetoro-Kiri in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, calling on the state government to take immediate responsibility and decisive action.
The victims were among 37 worshippers abducted from an ECWA church on December 14, 2025. Their deaths have heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in the area.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Melaye described the incident as a serious failure of both state and federal authorities, warning that continued inaction could trigger mass protests.
“The Kogi State Government must take responsibility. The death of three Ayetoro-Kiri indigenes will and should be taken seriously. There are no decisive and pragmatic approaches from state and federal governments,” he wrote.
Melaye stressed that the Okun people, as law-abiding taxpayers, would not remain silent in the face of persistent killings and abductions.
“We as Okun people are taxpayers and should not be abandoned. We will organise the kind of protest that police cannot stop if the stealing and killing of our people continue,” he warned.
The former senator also demanded urgent and coordinated efforts to rescue those still being held by the abductors.
“We want to see deliberate, organised, and effective efforts to secure and recover our people. Enough is enough,” he added.
Meanwhile, the deaths were confirmed on Saturday by the community spokesperson, David Ampitan, who described the tragedy as part of a prolonged security crisis in the area.
According to Ampitan, only seven victims were released after a ransom was paid. He said the three deceased were pronounced dead on arrival at medical facilities, while four others remain in critical condition. About 30 abducted persons are still in captivity, with their fate unknown.
Ampitan further criticised the government’s response to peaceful protests staged by community members demanding the return of their loved ones, describing it as inadequate and dismissive.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures and accountability from authorities to curb the rising wave of kidnappings and violent crimes in Kogi State.
