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.

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.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has deployed 2,480 officers and men across the 16 local government areas of the State to strengthen security and ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The State Commandant, Abbas Ndah Mohammed, approved the large-scale deployment as part of efforts to protect critical national assets, maintain law and order, and safeguard residents before, during and after the Sallah festivities.

According to the Command, operatives drafted for the exercise were drawn from specialised units including the Armed Squad, Operation Harmony, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Anti-Vandal Unit, and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Unit.

The security arrangement is said to be intelligence-driven, with strategic deployment focused on Eid prayer grounds, recreational centres and other sensitive locations across the state.

Speaking on the operation, Commandant Mohammed said the Command had also directed Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to intensify surveillance, strengthen routine patrols and ensure prompt response to any security threat within their jurisdictions.

“We will continue to collaborate closely with other security agencies, local vigilante groups and community stakeholders to guarantee adequate security coverage throughout the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations,” he said.

The commandant urged residents to remain security conscious and report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies, warning that the corps would deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt public peace and order.

He also congratulated Muslim faithful on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration and appealed to residents to celebrate responsibly and peacefully.