Suspected kidnappers have abducted a 20-year-old petty trader, identified as Ajuma Simon, from her home in Kogi State.
Ajuma, a native of Ukpotume — a village located after Ugwolawo in the Odolu/Igalamela Local Government Area — was reportedly taken from her residence around 1 a.m. on Friday, June 6.
According to community sources, the young woman is well known in the area for hawking cooked rice and okpa. Her abductors have since contacted her family and are demanding a large ransom for her release.
Ameh Adams, a youth leader in the Ugwolawo community, confirmed the incident:
“The gunmen, in their numbers, stormed her house at Ukpotume around 1 a.m. and whisked her away. She hawks cooked rice and okpa for a living. Her abductors are now demanding a huge amount of money.”
He added that rumors are circulating in the community that Ajuma may have recently collected a local contribution (thrift savings), possibly making her a target.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement, but residents are urging swift intervention to secure her safe return.
