By Abigail David

The Nigerian Army has rescued nine commuters abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, the Army said troops at Patrol Base Itobe responded to reports of an attack on commuters along the route.

The troops reportedly found an abandoned Toyota Hiace bus and Toyota Sienna at the scene, with the passengers missing. They subsequently launched a pursuit operation towards the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.

The Army said the troops engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the bush.

Nine people were rescued, including two elderly men, two elderly women, four other adult males and an infant.

The victims were evacuated to safety and handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further assistance and reunification with their families.

The Army said troops were continuing the search for the fleeing kidnappers and other possible victims, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

It urged residents to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support efforts to combat criminal activities.

By Abigail David

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to track down and bring to justice those responsible for the deadly attack on Naridon Village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State that claimed about 30 lives.

The President’s directive followed the early Monday assault on the community, where gunmen reportedly killed residents, including women and children, and set several houses ablaze.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the incident, describing it as an unprovoked act of terrorism against innocent civilians.

He said those behind the attack would be held accountable, stressing that efforts to undermine the peace and improved security recorded in Kaduna State would not succeed.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture by improving security infrastructure, equipping personnel and dismantling criminal networks threatening lives and property.

Tinubu also extended his condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones, as well as to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, the state government and residents affected by the tragedy.

The Federal Government reiterated its resolve to support security agencies in pursuing those responsible for the attack and preventing similar incidents across the country.

By Abigail David

Eight people were killed and five others injured after armed assailants attacked the Otukpo Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State shortly after a burial ceremony, the Benue State Police Command has said.

Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said in a statement on Monday that the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday following the burial of Adaje Okoh, an octogenarian.

According to the police, the attackers opened fire on residents, killing eight people and injuring five others. Some thatched houses and a motorcycle were also set ablaze during the incident.

Benue State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu led tactical teams to the community after receiving reports of the attack. The command said security personnel restored calm, while the injured were taken to a hospital in Otukpo for treatment. The bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo.

The police said an investigation is underway and assured residents that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice. Additional security personnel have also been deployed to the affected community and other vulnerable areas following a protest by some youths.

Meanwhile, the Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has publicly distanced its members from the attack.