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22 Killed in Plateau Bloodshed as Ondo Kidnap Attempts Trigger Panic, Oyo Residents Protest Insecurity
Residents say 22 people were killed in Kawel village, Plateau State, while police confirmed 20 deaths and announced a manhunt for the attackers.
Nigeria’s security challenges intensified on Monday as at least 22 people were reported killed in a deadly attack on Kawel community in Plateau State, while suspected kidnappers struck in Ondo State and protesters flooded major roads in Ibadan over rising abductions.
Among those killed in the Plateau attack were health workers, patients and security personnel, according to local sources.
The violence came as concerns persisted over the fate of more than 40 pupils, students and teachers kidnapped from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Adegoke Fayoade, however, expressed confidence that the victims would soon regain their freedom.
“The update is that all agencies of government are working very hard. And I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, the children and their teachers will be free,” he said.
Deadly Attack Hits Plateau Community
Residents said gunmen stormed Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos LGA late Sunday, firing indiscriminately and attacking residents.
Emergency responders reported that the attackers also targeted the local Primary Health Care Centre, killing medical workers and patients.
Bokkos Youth Leader Christopher Luka said casualty figures continued to rise as assessments progressed.
“I visited the hospital and saw the situation myself. So far, 22 deaths have been recorded, including women,” Luka said.
Plateau Police confirmed 20 fatalities, explaining that some injured victims later died after being taken to hospital.
The command said security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun battle and succeeded in pushing them back before deploying additional personnel to the area.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attack and ordered security agencies to hunt down those responsible.
Kidnappers Foiled in Ondo
Residents of Owo, Ondo State, were thrown into panic after suspected kidnappers launched two operations in one night.
The first targeted Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, whose abduction was thwarted after police officers engaged the gunmen in a firefight.
Later, another group invaded a residence in Gbegun community, shot Daniel Ologun and abducted his wife and two children.
Security operatives later rescued the woman and children unharmed after sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon them.
Ondo Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh said intensive operations were underway to arrest the fleeing suspects.
Ibadan Protest Over Abducted Schoolchildren
In Oyo State, members of the Take It Back Movement staged a protest at the Iwo Road interchange, causing major traffic disruption.
The demonstrators demanded the immediate release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire LGA and accused authorities of not doing enough to address insecurity.
National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu said the campaign would continue until all captives regained their freedom.
“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free,” he declared.
DIG Assures Families of Rescue Efforts
Speaking during a visit to the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, DIG Fayoade said security agencies were concentrating on rescue efforts rather than ransom negotiations.
“We don’t know anything about ransom because we don’t talk about ransom. So, all efforts are directed towards getting the abductees free from the capture,” he said.
The DIG also highlighted plans to improve policing through increased recruitment, enhanced welfare for officers and technology-driven security operations.
Igboho Defends Security Campaign
Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho rejected allegations that his comments on insecurity were targeted at any ethnic group.
According to him, his campaign focuses on combating criminality, including kidnapping, killings and violent attacks.
“We will never advocate hatred against any ethnic group. Our position has always been very clear: criminals should be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
Bishops Demand Justice, Oppose Reintegration Policy
Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province criticised the reintegration of repentant terrorists and bandits, arguing that the policy weakens justice and overlooks victims.
“The ongoing reintegration of so-called repentant bandits into the security agencies and society… rubs dirt on the face of justice,” the bishops said.
They called for comprehensive reforms, including stronger intelligence operations, modern security technology, forest policing and the establishment of state police to tackle insecurity across the country.
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