From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Armed bandits have again attacked Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and abducting his daughter.

Sources told our correspondent that the community came under attack on Monday evening, June 8, 2026, resulting in the death of the officer, identified as Mr. Ayo, and the abduction of his first daughter.

According to residents, the gunmen invaded the area and opened fire, causing panic as residents fled for safety.

Mr. Ayo was reportedly shot in the head during the attack. He was rushed to a medical facility but was confirmed dead on arrival.

His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary.

The attackers were said to have abducted his daughter before fleeing the community, heightening fears among residents over the worsening security situation in the area.

The latest incident comes amid a series of attacks in Kogi West Senatorial District.

Residents recalled that armed bandits attacked Aiyegunle-Igun in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area last Monday, killing two persons and abducting about 30 others.

Three days later, gunmen reportedly invaded Ikoyi community in Ijumu Local Government Area during a burial ceremony, killing three people and abducting several others.

According to community sources, none of the victims from the earlier incidents has been rescued, while many residents continue to live in fear of further attacks.

The renewed wave of violence has heightened concerns over insecurity across Yagba West and other parts of Kogi West, prompting calls for urgent intervention by security agencies and government authorities.

Residents urged security operatives to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of those still in captivity.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack.

By Abigail David

The Federal Government has expressed dissatisfaction with South Africa’s handling of the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians, warning that diplomatic and economic measures, including a review of bilateral privileges, are under consideration.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Monday after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

She accused South African authorities of failing to respond decisively to attacks on Nigerian nationals, alleging that businesses owned by Nigerians had been looted and destroyed while their children faced intimidation in schools.

The minister also dismissed claims that the affected Nigerians were illegal migrants, insisting that many of them are legitimate residents and business owners.

According to her, Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle makes the treatment of its citizens particularly disappointing.

“Nigeria is not happy with South Africa,” she said, recalling the country’s financial and political contributions to South Africa’s liberation movement.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the Federal Government was considering possible retaliatory measures, including reviewing privileges enjoyed by South African businesses and nationals in Nigeria, although she stressed that such decisions would be taken at the highest level of government.

Her comments followed resolutions by the National Assembly, with the House of Representatives recommending a temporary suspension of business permits for South African companies operating in Nigeria, while the Senate proposed sending a high-level delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to South Africa.

The minister also confirmed that President Tinubu had approved five evacuation flights to repatriate Nigerians willing to return home amid the crisis.

According to her, 1,092 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation, with more than 500 already screened and cleared for departure. The first evacuation flight, initially scheduled for Monday, was postponed to Wednesday due to logistical reasons.

She explained that the evacuation exercise, being coordinated with the National Emergency Management Agency and other government agencies, would be followed by rehabilitation support for returnees.

The latest tensions were sparked by anti-immigration protests organised by groups including Operation Dudula and March for March, which have heightened fears among foreign nationals across several South African provinces.

Nigeria had earlier summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, for discussions over the attacks, while the South African government reportedly expressed reservations about Nigeria’s evacuation plans.

The current developments revive memories of previous xenophobic attacks in 2008, 2015 and 2019, which claimed lives, displaced thousands of foreign nationals and strained diplomatic relations between both countries.

By Abigail David

Fresh protests erupted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday as residents demanded the release of more than 40 pupils and their teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area nearly a month ago.

The victims, including pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on May 15, 2026, and have remained in captivity.

The latest demonstration came as the abducted principal of Community High School, Rachael Alamu, appeared in a viral video from captivity, disputing reports that the kidnappers were demanding the introduction of Sharia law or a ransom for their release.

In the emotional appeal, Alamu urged Nigerians to disregard what she described as false claims and to help publicise the victims’ plight.

According to her, the abductors have neither forced the captives to practise any religion nor demanded money or the implementation of Sharia law.

She alleged that the kidnappers’ primary demand was the release of some of their detained associates and appealed to the government to engage in negotiations to secure the freedom of the hostages.

Alamu also pleaded with authorities and the public not to politicise the situation, saying misleading reports could further endanger the lives of those in captivity.

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters blocked major roads in Ogbomoso on Monday, causing traffic disruptions as they called on the Federal and Oyo State governments to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.

One of the protesters, Kehinde Dahunsi, questioned why the authorities had been unable to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers after more than three weeks in captivity, while other recent kidnapping victims were rescued within days.

The abduction has sparked widespread outrage, with the Nigerian Union of Teachers directing its members across Oyo State to embark on a strike until the victims are rescued. Protests have also been held in several parts of the country to demand urgent government action.

The prolonged captivity of the schoolchildren and teachers has heightened concerns over insecurity and the safety of educational institutions across the state.