FRESH attacks by suspected bandits across parts of Kogi and Kano states have left communities shattered, with worshippers abducted from a church, residents killed, and families plunged into fear as insecurity continues to spread across Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West regions.
News Point Nigeria reports that in Kogi State, gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, during a Sunday service, killing one worshipper and abducting more than 20 others, including women and children.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, numbering over 50, arrived heavily armed and began shooting indiscriminately, sending worshippers into panic as they forcefully whisked victims away into the surrounding forest.
Residents said the abductors also kidnapped a pregnant woman during the raid, heightening concerns over the safety of vulnerable victims.
The church attack marks the second major assault on Aiyetoro Kiri community in recent weeks, as bandits had earlier invaded the area, abducted about 50 residents, and looted a local business centre, carting away dozens of mobile phones.
Since the renewed violence, fear has gripped the community, forcing many residents to flee their homes for safer locations.
In the early hours of Sunday, residents of Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area were jolted awake by coordinated attacks carried out by armed bandits, who struck multiple locations almost simultaneously.
Eyewitnesses said the assaults began around 4 a.m., lasting for over an hour, during which the attackers killed residents, injured several others, and abducted innocent villagers.
One of the first attacks occurred at Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-Agi and Takete Isao, a community predominantly inhabited by the Tiv ethnic group. Casualties were recorded, while injured victims were rushed to an undisclosed hospital for emergency treatment.
In a second incident near Ilai Grammar School, less than a kilometre from Ilai town, gunmen reportedly killed one person and abducted three others before fleeing.
Residents lamented that distress calls made during the attacks were responded to late, allowing the assailants ample time to carry out their operations and escape.
Confirming the incidents, the Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Hon. Ademola Bello, expressed deep concern over the rising insecurity and the delayed response from security agencies.
Traditional rulers and community leaders also voiced frustration, calling for urgent and decisive action to stem the tide of banditry threatening lives and livelihoods across the area.
As of the time of filing this report, local officials were still attending to injured victims in hospitals, while families of the abducted remained in anguish.
Efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, SP William Ayah, for official comments proved abortive, as his phone lines were unreachable.
Meanwhile, similar fear and tension spread to Kano State, where gunmen launched a fresh attack on Lakwaya town, Gwarzo Local Government Area, abducting five residents.
The incident occurred on Sunday night at Zurin Mahauta village, according to local sources.
Confirming the attack, the village head, Murtala Mai Unguwa, said the assailants struck under the cover of darkness and whisked away the victims to an unknown destination.
He said security agencies were immediately alerted and responded promptly, adding that efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and rescue the abducted residents.
Residents of the community expressed growing concern over recurring attacks and called for sustained security presence to prevent further violence.
The Army 3 Brigade Public Relations Officer, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, confirmed the abduction, assuring that troops were actively pursuing the kidnappers.
“Only five people were abducted, and troops on the ground are doing their best to return them safely to their families,” he said.
Residents across the affected areas are now calling on the Federal and State Governments to reinforce security architecture, improve rapid response mechanisms, and intensify intelligence-led operations to curb the growing menace.