Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Panic has gripped residents of Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State after suspected armed bandits attacked a prayer ground, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a night vigil.

The attack occurred at Ori-Oke Ajaiye on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the early hours of Saturday, according to the Kwara State Police Command.

The incident was reportedly brought to the attention of the police by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who said the assailants stormed the prayer gathering around 8:30 p.m. on Friday while members of the church were holding a vigil at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village.

According to the police, the gunmen opened fire sporadically on the worshippers, killing three persons on the spot before whisking away 15 others to an unknown location.

Confirming the development in a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the Command had launched an intensive rescue operation to secure the release of the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

She said: “Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.”

The spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police in the State, Ojo Adekimi, had ordered a full-scale tactical and intelligence-led operation involving the Police Drone Team, Police Mobile Force personnel, intelligence units and other operational assets.

Describing the incident as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” the CP assured families of the victims that the Command would do everything possible to rescue those abducted and bring the attackers to justice.

“The Command is fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators behind the heinous act,” the statement added.

The police further disclosed that security operatives had intensified bush combing, intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations across the area as part of efforts to track down the criminals.

Residents of the State were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid the ongoing operation.

Lead.

By: Our Special Correspondent.

A worsening food crisis across Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and host communities in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State is triggering fresh security concerns, with intelligence reports indicating that some displaced persons are returning to Boko Haram-controlled territories in search of food and survival.

Findings obtained by National trail Newspaper revealed that severe shortages of food and humanitarian support have pushed many vulnerable residents into desperation, threatening ongoing stabilisation and de radicalisation efforts in the North-East.

Communities affected include Gwoza
town, Pulka, Limankara, Kirawa, Wala and Warabe, while the crisis has also hit major camps such as GSS Camp Gwoza 1, Kirawa IDP camps, Ngoshe camps, Pulka camps and Limankara camps.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly following the reported suspension of food
interventions previously coordinated by the World Food Programme (WFP).

Investigation also revealed that the affected populations, many of whom depended almost entirely on humanitarian assistance, are said to have received little or no significant food support since January 2026.

Intelligence reports indicated that insecurity has prevented many residents from accessing their farmlands during the current farming season, while existing food reserves have largely been exhausted.

Investigations further revealed rising cases of hunger and malnutrition, particularly among women and children, as many households now depend on irregular assistance from relatives and neighbours to survive.

Security sources who confided in our reporter warned that the situation is fast becoming a major security threat, as some displaced persons have reportedly started abandoning camps due to worsening hunger.

Some are said to be relocating towards Adamawa State in search of survival opportunities, while others have openly expressed intentions to return to bush areas despite persistent insurgent activities.

More troubling, intelligence findings indicated that some IDPs have been receiving messages from relatives and associates residing in Boko Haram-controlled enclaves, encouraging them to return on the grounds that living conditions in the bushes are becoming more favourable than conditions inside the camps.
Sources confirmed that some women had already returned to the bushes, raising fears of renewed exposure to recruitment, radicalisation and exploitation by insurgent groups.
Security analysts warned that the development could undermine ongoing peace-building, rehabilitation and resettlement programmes across the state.
The worsening food shortages have also reportedly fuelled internal tensions within camps, with incidents of food theft, sale of stolen items and rising frustration becoming increasingly common.
Particular concern was raised over conditions at GSS Camp Gwoza 1, where security and humanitarian pressures are said to be intensifying.
The camp, located close to bush areas, reportedly houses large numbers of surrendered or retired Boko Haram elements and their families, alongside newly displaced persons fleeing attacks.
Residents are said to survive largely through occasional support from relatives and acquaintances, while frustration and desperation continue to grow amid worsening scarcity.
Security officials warned that the conditions could easily be exploited by hostile elements seeking to regain influence within vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, in a related development, suspected Boko Haram insurgents reportedly invaded Wala community on Tuesday, moving from house to house and carting away food items, livestock and a motorcycle belonging to an Assistant Commandant.
The operation, which reportedly lasted for about one hour, occurred without resistance or exchange of gunfire, while no casualties were recorded.
Security sources, however, said the incident highlighted continued insurgent movement within vulnerable rural communities and growing desperation among insurgent groups for food supplies and logistics support.
The sources warned that the humanitarian situation across the Gwoza axis had now reached a critical stage capable of destabilising ongoing security operations if urgent intervention is not implemented.
Recommendations submitted to authorities include immediate emergency food intervention across affected communities and camps, deployment of relief materials, renewed engagement with WFP and humanitarian agencies, strengthened security surveillance within vulnerable camps and expanded livelihood support for displaced populations.
Officials also called for enhanced intelligence monitoring of persons returning to bush areas and immediate activation of coordinated humanitarian-security response mechanisms to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

From Hassan Taiye

The Katsina State Governor’s aide has been link to kidnap syndicate in the state The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on Community Development, Nura Aliyu Garwa, who was allegedly linked to a kidnapping syndicate, had earlier been suspended from office.

The government disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango.

According to the statement, Garwa was suspended over allegations bordering on the diversion of empowerment materials meant for communities in Batsari Local Government Area under the state’s
Community Development Programme.
The government added that the former aide later expressed interest in contesting for a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly to represent Batsari Local Government Area.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the alleged activities of the syndicate as unfortunate, saying it was disturbing that a person with a public profile and political ambition could be associated with such allegations.

The governor also commended the Katsina State Police Command and other security agencies for their efforts in tackling insecurity and sustaining operations against criminal activities in the state.

The Katsina State Police Command had recently paraded suspects allegedly connected to the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in Sardauna Estate, Katsina metropolis.

The former governor’s aide was said to be among persons linked to the syndicate, a development that has generated concern in the state.