At least nine people lost their lives in separate attacks by suspected bandits and armed herders in Oyo and Benue states within the last 24 hours.
The violence coincided with a police operation in Kaduna State, where authorities successfully foiled a planned abduction of children in Kasuwan Magani. Seventy-six children were rescued unharmed, and three suspects were apprehended.
Attack on National Park Service in Oyo
In Oyo State, four personnel of the National Park Service were killed and several others injured when suspected bandits stormed the Orire Local Government facility on Tuesday night.
The gunmen, reportedly heavily armed, launched the attack under the cover of darkness, catching the NPS operatives off guard.
Eyewitnesses described the assault as “well-coordinated,” sparking panic in nearby communities, many of whose residents now fear further attacks.
Confirming the incident, Oyo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said, “Yes, there was an attack by yet-to-be-identified men on officers of the National Park Service. The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, alongside other security chiefs, is currently on the way to the location.”
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, had directed the immediate deployment of tactical teams, Mobile Police operatives, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
Five Farmers Killed in Benue Herders’ Attack
Similarly, five farmers were killed on Tuesday evening in Udeku Maav-Ya community, Mbakyol Council Ward, Turan District of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State. The attack, allegedly by armed herders, disrupted ongoing harvest activities in the border community.
The assault occurred around 4 p.m., leaving several others injured as residents were harvesting yams and bambara nuts, heightening concerns over food production and security in the agrarian region.
Chairman of Kwande Local Government, Mr. Tersua Yarkwan, confirmed the attack, stating, “This is a very disturbing incident. Five of our farmers were killed while harvesting their crops, and the attackers stayed back in the area for some time, which further heightened tension among residents. Kwande is a border local government with difficult terrain and this has continued to expose our people to attacks. These repeated assaults, especially during the harvest season, pose a serious threat to food security.”
He added that farming activities have been severely disrupted as many residents now avoid their farms out of fear.
A former supervisory councillor, Mr. Lawrence Akerigba, said the community was caught unprepared, alleging sustained pressure from armed herders, “Our people have been facing constant attacks marked by shootings, destruction of crops, homes and economic trees, as well as restricted access to water sources.”
Akerigba disclosed the names of three victims as Tyozua Gyuse, Gbaga Gyuse, and Tersuur Ijighka, noting that the identities of the remaining two were yet to be established.
“Some residents are still missing, and search operations are ongoing. The situation remains tense,” he said, further lamenting that repeated attacks had forced the closure of schools, churches, and markets.
“We are appealing for urgent and consistent security presence. Our communities cannot continue to live in fear.”
Attempts to reach Benue State police spokesperson, Udeme Edet, for comment were unsuccessful at press time.
Police Foil Planned Child Kidnapping in Kaduna
Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, police successfully intercepted a planned attack and abduction of children in the Kasuwan Magani area, rescuing 76 children and arresting three suspects.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said, “The Kaduna State Police Command on January 5, 2026, about 8 p.m., received credible intelligence indicating that suspected bandits were planning to attack motorists and kidnap children being conveyed through the area. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Kasuwan Magani Division mobilised a team of police personnel to the location.
” Upon arrival, the police team engaged the suspected attackers and repelled them, preventing the planned attack. During the operation, 76 children, both males and females, ages between seven and 20 years, were rescued unharmed.
” Three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident. They were identified as Jonathan John (25), Oliver Magaji (27), and Bitrus Sawaba (23). Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly conveying the children to various parts of the country for child labour and other domestic work.
T”he suspects are currently in police custody, while the rescued children are being kept safely at the Command Headquarters pending the arrival and proper identification of their parents or guardians. Meanwhile, investigations have commenced to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and to arrest other possible collaborators. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”
