A 20-year-old petty trader identified as Ajuma Simon has been abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ukpotume, a village near Ugwolawo in Odolu/Igalamela Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 6, 2025, when the assailants reportedly stormed her residence around 1 a.m. and forcefully took her away.
Ajuma Simon, a well-known figure in her community, is popularly recognized for hawking cooked rice and okpa, a traditional delicacy made from Bambara nuts. Her abduction has sent shockwaves throughout the area, as residents express concern over her safety and the rising insecurity in rural parts of the state.
According to local reports, the abductors have contacted the family and are demanding a large sum of money in exchange for her release. Specific details about the ransom amount have not been disclosed publicly, but community members say it is substantial.
A community youth leader in Ugwolawo, Ameh Adams, confirmed the incident and described the attack as deeply troubling. He said, “The gunmen, in their number, stormed her house at Ukpotume, a town after Ugwolawo around 1 a.m. and whisked her away. She hawks cooked rice and okpa for a living. Her abductors are demanding a huge amount of money for her release.”
READ ALSO: ‘Your Absence Has Emboldened Kidnappers
Adams also noted that rumors were circulating in the community suggesting that Ajuma had recently received a monetary contribution or savings payout, which may have made her a target. “It is being rumoured in the community that she just collected a contribution,” he said, implying she may have had cash on hand or been perceived as financially liquid at the time of the attack.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Kogi State, Superintendent William Aya, were unsuccessful. Calls and text messages to his known contact numbers went unanswered at the time of reporting.
However, local police authorities in the area confirmed that the kidnapping did take place. They declined to provide further details, citing ongoing investigations and security concerns. No official statement has yet been released by the Kogi State Police Command regarding efforts to rescue the victim or track down the suspects.
The incident has heightened anxiety in the Odolu/Igalamela axis, where residents have called for increased security presence and proactive measures to combat a growing trend of kidnappings and violent crimes. Petty traders and women in particular are becoming increasingly vulnerable, with several communities in the region reporting similar incidents over recent months.
Community leaders are urging the government and security agencies to take swift action to ensure Ajuma’s safe return and to prevent further attacks. “We are living in fear,” said another resident who wished to remain anonymous. “If someone who sells food to survive is not safe, then who is?”
This latest abduction adds to a troubling pattern of rural kidnappings across Nigeria, where criminals often target individuals perceived as having recently come into money, regardless of the source or amount. In many cases, victims are traders, farmers, or transport workers who earn modest incomes.
READ ALSO: Army launches offensive against kidnappers
As of now, Ajuma Simon remains in captivity, and her fate is uncertain. Her family, friends, and neighbors are hoping for a peaceful resolution as negotiations reportedly continue. Authorities have not disclosed whether a rescue operation is underway or whether they are engaging with the kidnappers directly.
Residents and human rights advocates are calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the growing insecurity in Kogi State and across the country. Further updates on the case are expected as the situation develops.
