A group of terrorists operating in a forest located in Ikoro village, which spans parts of Kogi, Kwara, and Ekiti states, has allegedly cut off the left hand of a victim, Mr Lanlege Adewale.
Adewale, a native of Ogbe in Yagba West Local Council of Kogi State, was travelling between Ogbe and Ikoro with some women when they were abducted by armed men identified as Fulani herdsmen.The Guardian learnt that the terrorists carried out the act to assert the imposition of Sharia law on a parcel of land they have occupied in Kogi State.
It was reported that the incident occurred last Saturday after Adewale, along with three women and two men, was kidnapped and taken to a territory near Ikoro, Kogi State, where numerous armed terrorists have seized control.
The abducted victims were held captive in the forest near Kogi. This forest, which also extends into Kwara and Ekiti states, is currently controlled by the terrorists.
Recounting his ordeal following his release, Adewale said: “While in the forest, the women were separated from us. They told us they had come to implement Sharia across Yoruba states and to take over the land. They wanted me to deliver their message to others, claiming they were preparing for a Jihad that would extend to the Atlantic Ocean.”
A relative of one of the victims noted: “The armed men wore military uniforms, carried AK-47 rifles, and had several maps showing the entire country.” The General Secretary of the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM), Mr Popoola Ajayi, described the incident as alarming. He said: “What we are witnessing is a terrorist movement. These terrorists have no cattle; they are not in Yorubaland to graze but to conquer and take over Yorubaland. This is a clear message that Jihad is here with us.”
A relation of Lanlege revealed that after his hand was severed, he was released to treat his wounds. “We don’t know how he survived. Blood gushed from his hand for hours. He was eventually released without a ransom. The kidnappers said he should show his hand to his people.”
It should be recalled that the traditional ruler of Ikoro, a retired General, was recently killed by suspected terrorists. Police sources disclosed that the Kogi State government has intensified efforts to rid the forest of terrorists.
