Bandits, Fulani herdsmen kill nine farmers, National Park operatives in Oyo, Benue; police rescue 76 children in Kaduna

No fewer than nine people have been killed by suspected bandits and armed herders in separate attacks in Oyo and Benue states within the last 24 hours, as police also foiled an attempted attack and planned kidnapping of children in Kaduna State, rescuing 76 minors and arresting three suspects.

In Oyo State, suspected bandits on Tuesday night attacked a facility of the National Park Service (NPS) in Orire Local Government Area, killing four operatives and injuring several others. The gunmen reportedly stormed the area under the cover of darkness, catching NPS personnel unawares and triggering panic in nearby communities.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said unidentified gunmen carried out the attack.

“Yes, there was an attack by yet-to-be-identified men on officers of the National Park Service. The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, alongside other security chiefs, is currently on the way to the location,” Ayanlade stated.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, had ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams, operatives of the Mobile Police Force and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Similarly, 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 of Kwande Local Government Area. The attack occurred around 4p.m. while residents were harvesting yams and bambara nuts.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Kwande Local Government Council, Mr. Tersua Yarkwan, said the attackers lingered in the community after the assault, worsening tension.

“This is a very disturbing incident. Five of our farmers were killed while harvesting their crops, and the attackers stayed back in the area for some time, which further heightened tension among residents,” he said.

Yarkwan warned that repeated attacks during harvest season threatened food security in the border local government area.

A former supervisory councillor, Mr. Lawrence Akerigba, said residents had been under sustained pressure from armed herders.

“Our people have been facing constant attacks marked by shootings, destruction of crops, homes and economic trees, as well as restricted access to water sources,” he said.

He identified some of the victims as Tyozua Gyuse, Gbaga Gyuse and Tersuur Ijighka, adding that others were still missing and search efforts were ongoing.

Meanwhile, police in Kaduna State foiled an attempted attack and planned kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area, rescuing 76 children aged between seven and 20 years.

In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the Kaduna State Police Command received credible intelligence on January 5, 2026, about suspected bandits planning to attack motorists and kidnap children.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of Kasuwan Magani Division mobilised a team of police personnel to the location,” Hundeyin said.

“Upon arrival, the police team engaged the suspected attackers and repelled them, preventing the planned attack.”

He added that three suspects — Jonathan John (25), Oliver Magaji (27) and Bitrus Sawaba (23) — were arrested, while investigations revealed the children were allegedly being transported for child labour and domestic work.

The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations, while the rescued children are being kept safely pending identification of their parents or guardians.

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