Terrorists Snatch Travellers on Major Kwara Road as Niger Communities Empty Over Fresh Attacks

Barely 48 hours after terrorists killed more than 40 people in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, suspected terrorists struck again, abducting travellers on the busy Isanlu–Isin–Omu Aran highway in Kwara State.

The attack occurred in the early hours of yesterday when armed men ambushed motorists on the road, a key route linking Kwara South communities to the state capital, Ilorin. At least four passengers were reportedly kidnapped during the operation.

A source familiar with the incident said the assailants operated unhindered, forcing vehicles to stop before taking passengers to an unknown destination.
“Bandits are still heavily present in the area and are actively targeting travellers heading towards Ilorin,” the source said.

As of press time, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement confirming the incident or outlining rescue efforts.

The attack came amid rising insecurity in Kwara State, which has recorded several high-profile kidnappings in recent months. On November 18, 2025, gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku during a mid-week service, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 others, including the pastor. Although the victims were later released, attacks have continued.

Police outpost razed in Niger State

On the same day, suspected terrorists attacked a Nigeria Police Border Patrol Team outpost at New Kalli village in Borgu LGA of Niger State, less than 48 hours after dozens of traders and farmers were killed at Kasuwan Daji market in the same area.

Sources said the attackers arrived on motorcycles, set the police accommodation ablaze, destroyed officers’ belongings and torched farm produce belonging to residents. No casualties were reported.

Confirming the incident, Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said:
“On January 4, 2026, at about 10:30pm, suspected bandits attacked the police border patrol nipping point located at Kale village, via Borgu LGA.

“The hoodlums were engaged in a fierce gun battle and were repelled by the police team. However, the security post was engulfed in fire during the exchange. Normalcy was later restored, and reinforcement has been deployed.”

Fear grips Agwara and Borgu communities

Meanwhile, residents of several communities in Agwara and Borgu LGAs are fleeing their homes following rumours of another planned attack. Affected areas include Papiri, Kwana and Tugan Salama, close to where over 300 pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School were abducted weeks ago.

Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Revd. Father Matthew Kabirat, confirmed the development, saying parishioners and priests were relocating.
“As I am talking to you, our parishioners and priests are leaving for fear of possible attacks. The security personnel that came after the incident cannot be found; there are no signs of help for the people,” he said.

Another resident warned that without urgent intervention, displacement and loss of life would continue.
“There is the need for relevant security agencies to come to our aid because without security, there will be massive and ongoing loss of life and permanent displacement of large numbers of people,” he said.

Obi condemns killings, urges FG to act

Reacting to the Niger attacks, former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, condemned what he called the growing normalisation of mass killings.

In a statement on X, Obi said:
“It is deeply worrisome and unacceptable that, as we usher in a new year, the cycle of senseless killings and insecurity continues unchecked across our nation… As a nation, we cannot continue to normalise these killings. The protection of lives must remain the foremost responsibility of government.”

APC chairman denounces attacks

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, also condemned the attacks, describing them as “barbaric, inhuman, and utterly unacceptable.”

In a statement by his media adviser, Yilwatda said:
“This senseless violence against innocent citizens is an affront to our shared humanity… The forces of terror will not defeat our collective resolve. Nigeria will prevail.”

He assured that the APC supports President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to end terrorism and banditry, stressing the party’s commitment to a secure and united Nigeria.

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