Barely days after terrorists killed more than 40 people in Niger State, armed groups have again launched coordinated attacks in Kwara, Katsina, and Kaduna states, kidnapping several victims, including a veteran photojournalist.
In Kwara State, seven persons were abducted following a failed attempt to kidnap the traditional ruler of Adanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Oba David Oyerinola, and his wife. The victims, all members of the same family, were seized after the attackers could not locate the monarch.
The spokesperson of the Adanla community, Prince Oyerinola Olakunle, disclosed that the gunmen stormed the palace shouting for the monarch and his wife. When they discovered the monarch was away, they abducted seven people who were seated outside the palace and shot a young girl who attempted to flee. The girl is currently receiving medical treatment.
Olakunle said the abductors have demanded a ransom of N300 million for the release of the victims, including two minors. He appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene, noting that the community has been completely deserted due to fear. Oba Oyerinola and his wife have reportedly relocated to a hotel in Ilorin after being trailed by the attackers.
Meanwhile, terrorists also launched fresh attacks in Katsina State, invading Unguwar Barau, Gidan Dan Mai-gizo, and Gidan Hazo communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly operated for hours, abducting several residents. The exact number of victims remains unclear, as security agencies had yet to release official figures at the time of reporting.
In Kaduna State, terrorists abducted a veteran photojournalist, Malam Umar Usman Iyale, from his residence in Danhonu 11 community, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area. Iyale, a retired staff of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was taken around 9:00pm on Monday.
Community sources said the gunmen initially demanded money and abducted him after discovering he had none. Residents expressed concern over his safety due to his age and health condition. The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident and said operatives had been deployed to rescue him.
In Niger State, a potential bloodbath was averted after villagers in Ganaru community, Mashegu Local Government Area, discovered three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted along a farm path. The explosives were reported to security agencies, who promptly cordoned off the area and deployed bomb disposal experts.
The Niger State Commissioner of Police confirmed that the devices were safely handled, while the Chairman of Mashegu Local Government described the discovery as shocking.
Reacting to the spate of attacks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, assured Nigerians that the military would intensify operations against terrorists nationwide. Speaking at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Minna, he said the army would carry out President Bola Tinubu’s directive to eliminate all terrorists, bandits, and gunmen threatening national security.
