Terror Attacks Rock Kwara, Katsina, Kaduna as Scores Abducted

Fresh terror attacks have hit Kwara, Katsina and Kaduna states, barely days after over 40 people were killed in Niger State, leaving several persons abducted, including a veteran photojournalist.

In Kwara State, seven members of a single family were kidnapped in Adanla community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, after terrorists failed to abduct the traditional ruler, Oba David Oyerinola, and his wife. The attackers reportedly stormed the palace, demanding to know the whereabouts of the monarch and his wife.

Spokesperson of the Adanla community, Prince Oyerinola Olakunle, told journalists in Ilorin that the victims included Sikiru Oyerinola, Taye Oyerinola, Idowu Oyerinola, Faruk Oyerinola and two minors. He said the kidnappers were demanding a ransom of N300 million.

“When the six armed terrorists stormed the palace, they were shouting and asking, ‘Where is the Kabiyesi? Where is the Olori?’” Olakunle said.

According to him, when the attackers could not find their targets, they abducted family members who were sitting outside the palace.

“When they realised that Kabiyesi was not in the palace, they just asked the people sitting outside the palace to stand up and were taken into the bush,” he added.

He further disclosed that a girl who witnessed the abduction was shot and is currently receiving medical treatment.

“They called just once, asking if the community wants problem. They said if you don’t want problem, pay N300 million and we will release your people,” Olakunle said.

Following the attack, Adanla community has been deserted, with residents fleeing for safety, while the monarch and his wife are said to be taking refuge in a hotel in Ilorin.

In Katsina State, terrorists invaded several communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area on Monday night, abducting an unspecified number of people during coordinated attacks on Unguwar Barau, Gidan Dan Mai-gizo and Gidan Hazo communities. The Katsina State Police Command said it was yet to receive full details of the incident.

In Kaduna State, gunmen abducted a veteran photojournalist, Malam Umar Usman Iyale, from his residence in Danhonu 11 community, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area, at about 9:00 p.m. on Monday. Iyale, a retired staff of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was reportedly taken after the assailants found no money on him.

“He is elderly and battling health challenges. Everyone here is deeply worried about his safety,” a resident said.

The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the abduction, saying efforts were underway to rescue him. Police spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan said operatives had been deployed to track the kidnappers.

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 explosives were reported to security agencies and safely cordoned off.

Confirming the development, Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, said bomb disposal experts had been deployed and the situation was under control.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, assured Nigerians that the military would intensify operations to eliminate terrorists nationwide.

“We will massively do more deployments across the country towards achieving our goal of making Nigeria safer for all law-abiding citizens,” he said.

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