Violent attacks by herdsmen, bandits, and kidnappers claimed at least 33 lives over the weekend across five Nigerian states — Benue, Kebbi, Imo, Ondo, and Kogi — in a grim reminder of the country’s worsening security crisis.
The attacks, marked by ambushes, indiscriminate shootings, and abductions, left dozens injured and several others missing, heightening public anxiety and calls for decisive action.
Benue: Traders Ambushed in Agatu, 15 Killed
In Benue State, at least 15 people were killed in an ambush in the Ogwumogbio and Okpo’okpolo areas of Agatu Local Government Area. The victims, mostly traders returning from Oweto market on Saturday evening, were reportedly attacked by armed herdsmen lying in wait.
Former Vice Chairman of Agatu LGA, Anthony Ikwulono, said the attack was unprovoked and masterminded by a herder who had returned to Obagaji’s fadama after being previously asked to vacate the area for farmers.
“The victims, including women and children, were taken unaware,” Ikwulono said. “There’s panic in Agatu now. People are afraid to even recover the corpses from the bush.”
Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin Ejeh, visibly shaken, confirmed the incident, describing it as the worst since he assumed office. The state police command said it had yet to receive a full report of the attack.
Kebbi: Bandits Slay 15 Farmers in Waje
In Kebbi State, gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed Waje village in Danko/Wasagu LGA on Saturday night, killing 15 farmers and injuring three others. Witnesses said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on farmers as they were leaving their fields.
The police confirmed the attack but put the death toll at 10. However, the state’s Deputy Governor, Umar Abubakar Tafida, who visited the village, said 15 lives were lost and announced a government donation of N24 million to victims’ families.
“This attack is a tragedy and completely unacceptable,” Tafida said. “We must end this cycle of violence.”
Imo: Herdsmen Invade Two Communities
In Imo State, suspected herders invaded the boundary communities of Agwa (Oguta LGA) and Amakohia-Ubi (Owerri West LGA) on Saturday night, shooting sporadically and causing widespread panic.
Locals said the attack followed the community’s efforts to stop herders from grazing cattle on farmlands. “They came in numbers, shooting into the air, forcing residents to flee their homes,” one resident recounted.
The area has suffered repeated attacks by herders in recent years, with residents accusing authorities of ignoring their plight. In 2023, a similar invasion led to the killing of a motorcyclist in Agwa, while several other villages like Obokofia and Obosa Asaa have also been targeted.
Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, could not be reached for comment.
Ondo: APC Chairman Killed After Ransom Payment
In Ondo State, suspected kidnappers murdered the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman of Ose LGA, Nelson Adepoyigi, after collecting N5 million ransom from his family.
Adepoyigi was abducted last Monday at his home in Ifon town. Despite the payment of the reduced ransom, his captors reportedly shot him after the full N30 million initially demanded could not be raised.
Ose LGA Chairman, Kolapo Ojo, described the murder as a critical indicator of the rising insecurity in the area. “Even parking at your gate is no longer safe,” he lamented.
The state’s Police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi, said the incident had not been officially confirmed, but that special officers had been dispatched to Ifon to investigate.
Kogi: Hunters Killed Days After Monarch’s Abduction
In Kogi State, bandits killed three hunters in Ofoloke community, Yagba West LGA, just days after the community’s traditional ruler, Oba Ogunyanda Illufemiloye, was kidnapped from his palace.
The slain hunters were reportedly providing security for telecom workers repairing a faulty mast, or searching the forests for the abducted monarch, depending on conflicting accounts from community sources.
“This is unacceptable. Our community is under siege,” said local youth leader Demola Samuel. “We are losing lives and relocating in fear. The time to act is now.”
The police spokesperson in the state, SP William Aya, was yet to respond to inquiries as of press time.
National Reaction: Afenifere Renews Call for State Police
Reacting to the string of deadly incidents, Pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere renewed its call for the creation of state police, citing the inability of federal security forces to curb the growing threat.
Afenifere’s spokesperson, Jare Ajayi, described the killings as part of a disturbing nationwide trend, with similar attacks recorded in Plateau, Borno, Katsina, and Niger states, among others.
“We commend President Bola Tinubu’s directive to establish armed forest guards, but more needs to be done,” Ajayi stated. “The creation and proper equipping of state police is now inevitable.”
The group also noted the suspicious timing of rising attacks amid the early stirrings of 2027 election campaigns, calling for an internal audit of security strategies and personnel.
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