Even with increased military efforts against terrorists, the criminals have persisted in their attacks, abducting 20 persons in Kwara and Kano between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
The incident comes barely 24 hours after 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, Ikere, Kwara State, on November 18, were released by their abductors.
The 38 worshippers were released on Sunday following a collaborative effort involving the Department of State Services and the military.
The specifics of the operation are not clearly defined, but Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, denied speculation that a ransom was paid, stressing that the government simply negotiated with the bandits for the release of the hostages.
On Tuesday, the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, were freed ,bringing relief to their families and community.
The students, kidnapped from their hostel early hours of last Monday, were freed a week later, after heightened security operations and intervention from the Federal Government.
However, concern is over the recent attack in Isapa community, near Eruku, Kwara State, where 10 persons, including a pregnant woman, nursing mothers and children were reportedly seized. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive security operation, directing the Nigerian Air Force to expand their surveillance to forests in Kebbi and Niger, Special adviser to the President, Sunday Dare disclosed this on X.com on Tuesday.
He tweeted, “Tinubu directed the Air Force to expand its air surveillance across the innermost parts of the forest in Kwara State, where it is believed the terrorists are hiding. They are to maintain 24-hour surveillance and link up with the booths on the ground.
“This order equally applies to the Kebbi and Niger states axis, where many are expected to be rescued. Communities are also urged to provide timely information about strange movements and activities to aid the work of the security forces.”
Kwara attacked, again
Bandits stormed Isapa community in Kwara State’s Ekiti Local Government area, with a large herd of cattle, firing shots, forcing residents to flee.
The incident occurred at about 6.05 p.m on Monday, with gunmen shooting indiscriminately and leaving bullet holes in walls and doors, this confirming the intensity of the operation ,as several AK-47 shells littered the ground.
The Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, alongside the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo visited the community, confirming 10 persons were abducted, including seven family members;
The abducted individuals include;
Talatu Kabiru, 20 year old
Magaji, 6 year old
Kande, 5 year old
Hadiza,10 year old
Mariam, 6 year old
Saima, 5 year old
Others are, Habibat (a housewife), Fatima Yusufu (a housewife), a pregnant woman identified as Sarah Sunday, Lami Fidelis, and Haja Na Allah, a nursing mother.
In response to the severity of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, visited Isapa for an on-the-spot assessment.
In his visit, he met with traditional rulers such as the Onisapa of Isapa land, Oba Gbenga Adeyeye, and the Olokesa of Okesa land, Oba Olu Fagbademila Olusegun, as well as local and youth leaders, assuring the members of the community that the command force had intensified operations and local vigilantes were currently on a look out for the abducted residents.
“A search-and-rescue operation is ongoing, and normalcy has been restored to the village. The situation is under strict monitoring,” the police spokesperson said.
NEWS SOURCE: Punch Newspaper
