Barely 48 hours after terrorists killed more than 40 people in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, violence has spilled into neighbouring Kwara State, deepening fears across the North-Central region.
In the early hours of yesterday, suspected terrorists attacked the busy Isanlu–Isin–Omu Aran road in Kwara, kidnapping at least four travellers. The highway, a major link between Kwara South and the state capital, Ilorin, was reportedly blocked as gunmen forced vehicles to stop before abducting passengers and escaping to an unknown location.
A source familiar with the incident said the attackers operated freely for some time. “Bandits are still heavily present in the area and are actively targeting travellers heading towards Ilorin,” the source disclosed. As of press time, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the attack or rescue efforts.
The Kwara incident occurred on the same day gunmen attacked a police border patrol outpost at New Kalli village in Borgu LGA of Niger State. According to local sources, the assailants arrived on motorcycles around midnight, set fire to the officers’ accommodation, destroyed farm produce, and carted away personal belongings. Although no casualties were recorded, the attack has heightened fear among residents.
Confirming the incident, Niger State Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said the attackers were repelled after a gun battle, though the security post was engulfed in flames during the exchange. Reinforcements, he added, have since been deployed.
Meanwhile, panic is spreading across communities in Agwara and Borgu LGAs as residents flee their ancestral homes following rumours of another imminent attack. Villages such as Kwana and Tugan Salama have been largely deserted, with locals citing the absence of security personnel.
Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Father Matthew Kabirat, confirmed that parishioners and priests are relocating out of fear. “There are no signs of help for the people. Terrorists are having a field day,” he said, noting that both Christians and Muslims, including women and children, have been affected.
Reacting to the killings, former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, condemned the attacks and urged the Federal Government to end what he described as the growing normalisation of mass killings. He warned that Nigeria was entering the new year under the shadow of unchecked insecurity.
Similarly, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described the Niger attacks as barbaric and inhuman, assuring residents that the party supports President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to crush terrorism and restore peace.
Despite these assurances, fear, displacement, and uncertainty continue to grip communities across Niger and Kwara States as residents await decisive action to halt the worsening security crisis.
