Nigeria’s worsening security crisis deepened on Sunday and Monday as at least 22 people, including healthcare workers and security personnel, were killed in a deadly attack in Plateau State, suspected kidnappers launched coordinated raids in Ondo State, and angry residents staged protests in Oyo State over persistent abductions.
The violence has renewed concerns about the nation’s security situation, with citizens and religious leaders demanding stronger action from authorities.
22 Feared Dead in Plateau Community Attack
Gunmen invaded Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, late Sunday night, unleashing terror on residents and leaving at least 22 people dead.
Witnesses said the attackers stormed the community, firing indiscriminately and targeting homes as frightened residents scrambled for safety.
A humanitarian worker involved in emergency response efforts disclosed that the assailants also attacked the community’s Primary Health Care Centre, where healthcare workers and patients receiving treatment were among those killed.
According to local sources, several others sustained gunshot and machete injuries during the assault and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
Bokkos Youth Leader, Christopher Luka, confirmed the rising death toll after visiting affected hospitals.
“I personally visited the hospital and confirmed that 22 people have died, including women. Health workers and patients receiving treatment were among the victims. Burial arrangements have been delayed due to heavy rainfall,” he said.
The attack occurred just days after the killing of the District Head of Gwande, Saf Samuel Alaket, who was reportedly ambushed while returning from a traditional council meeting.
Police Confirm Casualties, Launch Manhunt
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that armed men invaded Kawel community late Sunday.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo said Commissioner of Police Bassey Ewah immediately ordered security personnel to mobilize to the area.
According to the command, police operatives, supported by the Violent Crime Response Unit and other security agencies, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat.
Initially, 18 deaths were recorded, but two injured victims later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the official police figure to 20.
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The police have since deployed additional tactical units and mobile police personnel to the area while senior officers have been directed to coordinate ongoing security operations.
Commissioner Ewah expressed condolences to the affected families and assured residents that efforts were underway to identify and arrest those responsible.
Plateau Government Condemns Killings
The Plateau State Government described the attack as a barbaric and senseless act against innocent citizens.
In a statement issued by Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, Governor Caleb Mutfwang directed security agencies to intensify operations, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice is served.
The government also ordered emergency and humanitarian agencies to provide immediate assistance to victims and affected families.
Residents were urged to remain calm, avoid reprisals and cooperate with investigators by providing useful information.
Panic in Ondo as Kidnappers Launch Twin Attacks
Fear swept through Owo in Ondo State after suspected kidnappers carried out two separate attacks in the town on Sunday night.
The first incident occurred around 7 p.m. when six armed men reportedly invaded the residence of community chairman, Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, in an attempt to abduct him.
Security operatives responded swiftly after receiving a distress call. The Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, led a patrol team to the scene and engaged the attackers in a gunfight.
The gunmen fled into nearby bushes, abandoning their mission. Pastor Taiwo and his family were rescued unharmed and relocated to safety.
Hours later, around 11:30 p.m., another gang struck in Gbegun community near Alhaja Camp off Housing Estate, Owo.
The attackers reportedly shot 39-year-old Daniel Ologun in the leg before abducting his wife, Taibat, and their two young children, aged four and two years.
The incident triggered panic among residents, who quickly alerted security agencies.
Security Forces Rescue Victims
A joint team of police officers and military personnel immediately launched a rescue operation, combing nearby forests and blocking possible escape routes.
Their efforts yielded results in the early hours of Monday when the kidnapped woman and her two children were found unharmed after their captors abandoned them and fled.
Sources said the kidnappers were forced to release the victims after sustaining injuries during exchanges of gunfire with security personnel.
Daniel Ologun is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Owo.
Ondo Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed both incidents and said security operatives have intensified operations to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal hideouts in the area.
Protest Erupts in Ibadan Over Kidnappings
Meanwhile, major roads in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, were brought to a standstill as members of the Take It Back Movement staged a protest against worsening insecurity and the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in the state.
The demonstrators blocked the busy Iwo Road interchange, causing heavy traffic and disrupting movement across one of the city’s busiest transport corridors.
The protest was sparked by the abduction of pupils, students and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area in May. More than a month later, the victims remain in captivity.
National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest was aimed at drawing attention to the plight of abducted victims and demanding urgent government intervention.
He accused authorities of failing to act decisively while innocent citizens remained in the hands of kidnappers.
The protesters vowed to continue demonstrations until all abducted victims across Nigeria regain their freedom.
DIG Assures Families of Rescue Efforts
Responding to concerns over the prolonged captivity of the Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, assured Nigerians that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure their release.
Speaking during an official visit to the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, Fayoade expressed confidence that the victims would soon regain their freedom.
“All government agencies are working hard, and I can assure Nigerians that the children and their teachers will be released within the shortest possible time,” he said.
The DIG added that security agencies remain focused on rescue operations and are deploying every available resource toward securing the victims’ safe return.
Sunday Igboho Defends Security Campaign
Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, also weighed in on the security situation, insisting that his advocacy is aimed solely at combating criminality and not targeting any ethnic group.
Reacting to criticisms from a group identified as the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, Igboho said his long-standing position has always been against kidnappers, killers and other criminal elements threatening communities.
Through his spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, he maintained that crime has no ethnic or religious identity and called on Nigerians to unite in confronting insecurity.
Catholic Bishops Reject Reintegration of Repentant Terrorists
Also reacting to the security challenges, Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province criticized the government’s policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant terrorists and bandits.
In a statement signed by Archbishop Gabriel Leke Abegunrin and Bishop Anselm Lawani, the clerics argued that the practice undermines justice and sends the wrong message to victims of violent crimes.
The bishops said perpetrators of kidnapping, terrorism and other violent offences should face the full consequences of their actions rather than being rewarded with rehabilitation programmes.
They further called for comprehensive security reforms, including improved intelligence gathering, modern surveillance technology, effective forest policing and the establishment of state police.
According to the bishops, justice, accountability and adequate support for victims remain essential to achieving lasting peace and national unity.
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