No fewer than 16 persons have been killed in separate attacks in Katsina State and Plateau State, while two staff members of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company have been abducted in Ogun State, heightening concerns over renewed insecurity across parts of the country.
The killings occurred following a reprisal attack by bandits on communities in Kankia Local Government Area and a separate terrorist assault in Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
In Katsina, police authorities confirmed that 11 people were killed after bandits regrouped and launched an attack on Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages on Sunday at about 12:00 p.m.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on residents before tactical police teams were mobilised to repel them.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Fage, strongly condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, the police described the assault as cowardly and barbaric.
The statement said the commissioner had directed an aggressive intelligence-led operation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Additional tactical teams have also been deployed to the affected communities.
The police further disclosed that bush-combing operations and coordinated patrols had been intensified to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
Residents were urged to remain calm but vigilant and to provide timely information to security agencies.
According to the command, the reprisal attack followed recent operational successes against bandits in the area.
Police recalled that on April 29, operatives foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 animals, including 91 cows and 114 sheep.
Another operation on May 2 disrupted an attempted attack on Matinjin village, forcing several bandits to flee with gunshot injuries while eight motorcycles were recovered.
The Katsina State Government also condemned the killings, describing the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians as an act of terror.
Meanwhile, in Plateau State, five persons were killed in a fresh attack that has heightened tension in the affected community.
Residents said the victims were returning to their homes on Sunday night when they were ambushed by gunmen who opened fire without warning.
A resident, Bot James, said four victims died at the scene, while another later died in hospital.
The Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack and described it as unfortunate and condemnable.
He called on security agencies to strengthen efforts to safeguard lives and property in the area.
In a related development, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that two of its staff members were abducted along the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode road in Ogun State on April 29.
The company disclosed the development in a statement issued in Ibadan.
It said efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the workers.
“We are deeply concerned about this situation, and our thoughts are with our colleagues and their families at this difficult time,” the company said.
IBEDC added that it was working closely with security agencies while maintaining contact with the victims’ families.
The company declined to provide additional details due to the sensitive nature of the rescue efforts.
The latest incidents have once again highlighted growing security concerns across multiple regions of Nigeria, with increasing calls for stronger coordinated action by security agencies.
What You Should Know
The fresh attacks in Katsina and Plateau, alongside the abduction of IBEDC staff in Ogun, reflect Nigeria’s continuing struggle with insecurity across different regions.
While northern states continue to battle banditry and terrorist attacks, kidnappings along major highways in the South-West are becoming increasingly alarming. Security experts have repeatedly stressed the need for stronger intelligence-sharing, rapid-response operations, and improved surveillance of vulnerable corridors.
These incidents also underscore the nationwide spread of security threats, reinforcing concerns that insecurity is no longer confined to traditionally volatile areas.
