…terrorists were prevented from causing a potential bloodbath in Niger State after villagers discovered three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted along farmlands.
NIGER, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | 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, abducting several persons, including a veteran photojournalist.
In Kwara State, seven people were kidnapped after gunmen failed to abduct the traditional ruler of Adanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Oba David Oyerinola, and his wife. In Katsina, many residents were also abducted during night raids on several communities. Meanwhile, a potential bloodbath was averted in Niger State after villagers discovered three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted along farmlands in Ganaru community, Mashegu Local Government Area.
The spokesperson of Adanla community, Prince Oyerinola Olakunle, said the seven abducted victims, all members of the same family, include Sikiru, Taye, Idowu, Faruk Oyerinola and two minors. He disclosed that the attackers demanded a N300 million ransom and appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene, noting that the community had been deserted since the incident. Oba Oyerinola and his wife, who escaped the attack, were said to have relocated to a hotel in Ilorin for safety after being allegedly trailed by the assailants.
Olakunle explained that six armed terrorists stormed the palace while the monarch was away, seized family members sitting outside and shot a girl who attempted to flee. He said the abductors later contacted the families, threatening violence if the ransom was not paid. Efforts to reach the Kwara State Police spokesperson were unsuccessful as of press time.
In Katsina State, terrorists reportedly attacked Unguwar Barau, Gidan Dan Mai-gizo and Gidan Hazo communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area, abducting an unspecified number of residents after operating for several hours. Police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq said he was not immediately aware of the attacks but promised to investigate. The area has witnessed rising insecurity despite recent peace agreements with armed groups.
In Kaduna State, terrorists abducted veteran photojournalist Malam Umar Usman Iyale from his home in Danhonu 11, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area. Iyale, a retired staff of AIT and NTA Kaduna, was taken around 9pm on Monday after gunmen demanded money and found none. The incident has heightened fear among residents, particularly due to his age and health condition.
Residents lamented recurring kidnappings in the area, recalling the July 2024 abduction of two journalists from the same community. Kaduna State Police confirmed the incident, saying the Commissioner of Police had deployed operatives to ensure Iyale’s safe rescue.
Meanwhile, villagers in Ganaru community, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, discovered three IEDs planted along farm routes, prompting an immediate alert to security agencies. The area was cordoned off and bomb disposal experts deployed, preventing casualties. Niger State Police Commissioner Adamu Elleman confirmed the development.
Reacting to the spate of attacks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, assured Nigerians of increased troop deployment and renewed efforts to crush terrorism nationwide. Speaking at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Minna, he said the army would fully implement President Bola Tinubu’s directive to eliminate terrorists, bandits and gunmen across the country
