Former federal lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, has demanded urgent action from the Kogi State Government following the deaths of three residents of Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.
Naijaonpoint reports that the deceased were among 37 worshippers abducted from an Evangelical Church Winning All church on December 14, 2025.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Melaye described the incident as a grave failure of both the state and federal governments, warning that continued silence and inaction could provoke mass resistance from the affected communities.
“The Kogi State Government must take responsibility. The death of three Ayetoro-Kiri indigenes will and should be taken seriously,” he wrote.
“There are no decisive and pragmatic approaches from state and federal governments.”
The former senator said the continued killings and abductions of Okun people were unacceptable, stressing that residents who pay taxes deserve protection.
“We as Okun people are taxpayers and should not be abandoned,” Melaye stated.
He warned that the people would mobilise if authorities failed to halt the worsening insecurity.
“We will organise the kind of protest that police cannot stop if the stealing and killing of our people continue,” he said.
Melaye also urged the government to act swiftly to secure the release of those still held by the abductors.
“We want to see deliberate, organised, and working efforts to secure and recover our people. Enough is enough,” he added.
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 of the abducted victims were released after a ransom was paid.
He said the three victims were confirmed dead on arrival at medical facilities, while four others were currently receiving treatment in critical condition.
About 30 abducted persons, he added, remain in captivity, with their whereabouts and fate unknown.
Ampitan further criticised the government’s response to peaceful protests organised by community members demanding the rescue of their loved ones.
He lamented that instead of decisive security action, residents were met with resistance while seeking justice and protection.