Tension As Kidnappers Abduct Popular Farmer 'Old Soldier' In Isanlu Community In Kogi

A Nigerian farmer, who has been identified as Dada Babatege, popularly known as “Old Soldier,” was abducted on Friday afternoon from his farm behind St. Kizito’s College in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to SaharaReporters, it was gathered that the kidnappers invaded the farmland in broad daylight, whisked the victim away and disappeared into the surrounding bushes before help could arrive.

The abduction has generated tension in the community, where residents say cases of kidnapping have been rising steadily despite repeated calls for improved security.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have not issued an official statement.

However, locals are urging immediate action to rescue Babatege and to intensify patrols around farms and school corridors in the area.

SaharaReporters previously reported that bandits who abducted worshippers from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, issued a two-day ultimatum to the victims’ families, demanding ₦200 million.

The criminals initially demanded ₦500 million before reducing it to N200 million. They warned that failure to meet their demand would result in “consequences.”

SaharaReporters learned that 14 individuals were abducted from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, including the presiding pastor, popularly known as Orlando. Among the victims are six children from the pastor’s household.

The attackers raided the church during a service on November 30, 2025, abducting several worshippers, including a three-week-old baby and a four-month-old infant.

More than a week after the incident, residents and families say the Kogi State Government has yet to make a public statement or provide clear updates on efforts to rescue the hostages.

A video circulating on social media captures the family of the church’s presiding pastor appealing to the Kogi State Government for urgent intervention to secure the release of their loved ones.

In the footage, relatives voice deep concern over the deteriorating conditions of the abductees and the rapidly approaching deadline set by the bandits.

Four women, kneeling in desperation, pleaded with Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo to intervene and secure the release of their loved ones. Among them was an elderly woman, the wife of Pastor Orlando, who was abducted along with six children and other church members.

In total, 14 people were kidnapped, seven of whom are from the pastor’s household.

“Please, come to our rescue. The amount the kidnappers are demanding is beyond our means,” the elderly woman implored.

It was learned that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦500 million before reducing the ransom to ₦200 million.

A voiceover in the video described Pastor Orlando as both a farmer and a cleric, while his wife is a petty trader. The children, all students, remain in captivity.

Community members have also called for immediate action, warning that the situation is growing increasingly desperate as the 48-hour ultimatum nears.