Wave of Terror: Renewed attacks shake 10 states, leave 77 dead, 43 kidnapped
Nigeria is once again reeling from a wave of violent attacks across 10 states, as terrorist groups unleash havoc on unsuspecting communities. Within just one week, no fewer than 77 people have been killed, 43 abducted, and over 1,000 displaced, Saturday PUNCH reveals.
Death Toll Mounts in Katsina
Katsina State witnessed a bloodbath as bandits launched simultaneous assaults in Charanci, Safana, Kurfi, and Kaita LGAs between Tuesday and Thursday. Victims, including locals returning from a condolence visit in Batsari, were ambushed and killed, leaving a trail of fear and sorrow.
Soldiers Ambushed in Borno
On Saturday, terrorists struck a military base in Sabon Gari, Damboa LGA, Borno State, killing eight soldiers in a devastating ambush. Survivors reported that the attackers deployed drones to bomb the base before overwhelming soldiers with gunfire. The assailants also looted weapons and torched the base before retreating.
Kidnappings in Kebbi and Zamfara
Kebbi State was not spared, as bandits stormed Natsini village, Argungu LGA, killing two people and rustling livestock. Meanwhile, in Zamfara, over 40 women and children were kidnapped during an attack on Gana village, Shinkafi LGA. Witnesses described the chilling scene as terrorists stormed homes, herding victims into waiting vehicles.
South-East Violence Spreads
The South-East has not been immune to the surge in violence. In Imo State, gunmen launched a coordinated attack on Umuokanne, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, killing two people in a gunfight with police officers. In Orsu LGA, a separate attack left 18 residents dead, with survivors describing the community as a “ghost town.”
Tragedy in Jigawa and Benue
In Gululu village, Jigawa State, 11 people were killed in a ruthless assault that also saw dozens of homes set ablaze. Over in Benue State, herdsmen attacks in several LGAs displaced more than 1,000 households, adding to the state’s mounting humanitarian crisis.
READ ALSO: Farmers pay bandits huge taxes to access farmlands, harvest crops ; Report
Rising Threats in the South-West
Governors in the South-West have raised alarms over the infiltration of terrorists fleeing military operations in the North-West. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde revealed intelligence reports indicating that fleeing bandits were regrouping in the South-West.
To counter this, states such as Ogun, Ekiti, and Kogi have intensified security measures. These include reinforcing Amotekun Corps personnel, border clearance operations, and collaborating with local hunters and vigilante groups to strengthen community defences.
ISWAP Activities in Osun
Adding to the growing threats, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested 10 suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State. The suspects were reportedly undergoing training on how to manufacture and detonate explosives, with plans to establish a terror cell in the region.
Security Experts Call for Urgent Measures
Security analysts have expressed grave concerns over the terrorists’ increasing use of sophisticated technologies. Kabir Adamu, a prominent security expert, described the deployment of drones in the Borno attack as a worrying escalation.
“Combating these sophisticated tactics requires advanced aerial surveillance, modern technology, and stronger measures to cut off their funding channels,” Adamu advised.
Another expert, Chigozie Ubani, criticised systemic failures in Nigeria’s security framework. “We need proactive reforms and better coordination between security agencies to address this growing menace effectively,” he said.
A Nation on Edge
As the attacks grow in intensity and scope, communities across Nigeria are gripped with fear. From the North to the South, the violence is leaving a devastating impact, disrupting lives and livelihoods. With no immediate end in sight, Nigerians are calling for urgent, decisive action from the government to restore peace and security.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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