...The bandits killings coincided with the police foiling an attempted attack, rescue of 76 children and the arrest of three suspects.
OYO, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Bandits and armed herders have killed no fewer than nine people in Oyo and Benue states over the past 24 hours.
The bandits killings coincided with the police foiling an attempted attack and planned kidnapping of children in Kasuwan Magani, Kaduna State, where 76 children were rescued and three suspects arrested.
In Oyo State, suspected bandits attacked the National Park Service (NPS) facility in Orire Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of four park personnel, while several others were injured. The attack occurred on Tuesday night when heavily armed gunmen stormed the facility under the cover of darkness, catching NPS operatives by surprise. Sources indicated that the assailants infiltrated the area undetected before launching the assault.
Eyewitnesses described the attack as well-coordinated, causing panic among nearby residents who now fear further violence.
Confirming the incident, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said: “Yes, there was an attack by yet-to-be-identified men on officers of the National Park Service. The Commissioner of Police, alongside other security chiefs, is currently en route to the location.”
Ayanlade added that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, had ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams, Mobile Police operatives, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to the scene to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
In Benue State, five farmers were killed on Tuesday evening when suspected armed herders attacked Udeku Maav-Ya community in Mbakyol Council Ward, Turan District, Kwande Local Government Area. The attack, which occurred around 4 p.m., disrupted ongoing harvest activities in the border community. Several others sustained injuries.
Kwande Local Government Chairman, Tersua Yarkwan, confirmed the deaths, saying the attackers did not immediately leave the community after the assault. “This is a very disturbing incident. Five of our farmers were killed while harvesting crops, and the attackers remained in the area for some time, heightening tension among residents,” he said.
He added that the area’s difficult terrain has made residents vulnerable to repeated attacks, which threaten both security and food production. Many farmers are now avoiding their farms for fear of further assaults.
A former supervisory councillor, Lawrence Akerigba, said the community was caught unprepared and has been under sustained pressure from armed herders. “Our people have faced constant attacks marked by shootings, destruction of crops and homes, and restricted access to water sources,” he stated. He identified three of the deceased as Tyozua Gyuse, Gbaga Gyuse, and Tersuur Ijighka, noting that the identities of two others were still unknown.
Akerigba also lamented that repeated attacks had forced the closure of schools, churches, and markets, calling for urgent and sustained security intervention. Efforts to reach Benue State Police Command spokesperson Udeme Edet were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, police intercepted an attempted attack and planned child abduction in Kasuwan Magani. Acting on credible intelligence received on January 5, 2026, around 8 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer mobilized a team to the area.
The operation led to the rescue of 76 children, aged seven to 20, and the arrest of three suspects: Jonathan John (25), Oliver Magaji (27), and Bitrus Sawaba (23). Preliminary investigations revealed the suspects were allegedly transporting the children for child labour and domestic work.
The suspects are in police custody, while the rescued children are being safely held at the Command Headquarters pending identification of their parents or guardians. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances and identify other possible collaborators. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigations.
