Armed groups struck across three northern states this week, with separate attacks reported in Plateau, Borno, and Benue.
According to The PUNCH, in Plateau State, a farmer identified as Ishaku Abalis was gruesomely killed on his farmland in Panyam District, Mangu Local Government Area. His assailants reportedly beheaded him and fled with his head.
The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the incident, describing it as part of an “incessant wave of attacks and kidnappings” in Panyam and Pushit districts.
He said, “Abalis’ head was cut off and taken away by the killers. The local security outfits are aware, the Sector Commander in Mangu mobilised officers to the site, and the DPO is also aware. These attacks are becoming too frequent. We need state police to complement federal security forces and protect our people.”
Dabit further urged the authorities to increase visible security presence, stressing that constant patrols would help restore residents’ confidence.
Efforts to reach the spokespersons for Operation Enduring Peace and the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, suspected Boko Haram fighters stormed Kirawa community in Gwoza Local Government Area on Monday night.
The attackers reportedly arrived on motorcycles around 9pm, shooting sporadically before setting fire to the palace of the District Head, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abubakar, who narrowly escaped.
The invaders killed one resident, destroyed shops, abducted a man, and forced many locals to flee across the border into Cameroon.
The Chairman of the Kirawa Development Association, Yakubu Kirawa, confirmed the incident, saying: “They arrived around 9pm, shot sporadically, burnt houses and shops, and many people fled to Cameroon. One person was also shot.”
Another resident, Shaibu Abdul, lamented the destruction: “They attacked the palace of the District Head and burnt down his house, though he escaped.”
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, described the renewed attacks as “deeply frustrating,” especially as displaced persons were only just resettling with government support.
He called for more military reinforcements, urging authorities to deploy drones, attack helicopters, and advanced technology, saying, “We cannot afford to allow this decade-long insurgency to continue unchecked.”
In Benue State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke repelled multiple bandit assaults between September 26 and 28 in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
The acting Media Information Officer, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, said soldiers engaged armed groups in Sheekan village and along patrol routes near Igyudu, forcing the attackers to retreat.
Recovered items from the clashes included an automatic pistol, AK-47 magazines, over 40 rounds of assorted ammunition, a grenade, medical kits, and several mobile phones.
Lt. Zubairu noted that the Force Commander, Major General Gara, commended the soldiers for their bravery, adding: “Our troops have shown resilience and determination. We remain committed to restoring lasting peace in Benue and neighboring states.”
