Fresh violence has been reported in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where at least four people were killed in separate attacks and several travellers were allegedly abducted.

According to security analyst Bakatsine on X, “Reports indicate that three people were killed moment ago while working on their farms, two residents of Zurmi town and one from a nearby village.”

The security situation reportedly worsened with gunmen’s attack on Baichen Dauran community.

Bakatsine stated, “Last night, bandits reportedly stormed Baichen Dauran community in the LGA and killed one person.”

The attack was reportedly followed by another incident along a nearby road.

“The same night, travelers were allegedly abducted along the road near Baichen Dauran, including a commercial driver from Zurmi, Kabiru Takaye,” Bakatsine wrote

Residents of Zurmi and surrounding communities are said to be living in fear as recurring attacks continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.

Authorities in Zamfara State had yet to issue an official statement on the incidents at the time of filing this report.

The suspected kidnappers of Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Nigerian Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons have been identified following a police rescue operation.

Adegoke and her sons, Peter and Paul, were rescued alive on Saturday during an operation carried out by the Nigeria Police.

According to police sources, two suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the suspects.

The victims were abducted on Tuesday while Mrs Adegoke was reportedly taking the children to school.

Police said sustained intelligence gathering, tracking, and tactical pressure on the kidnappers led to the confrontation and the successful rescue of the victims.

A video of the rescue operation has since surfaced online, showing moments from the operation that Mrs Adegoke and her children were released.

A suspected militia attack on Mbasa community in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State has claimed the life of one resident and left several houses destroyed.

Sources within the military disclosed that troops of Sector 1, in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, responded to a distress call from the community at about 8:30 am on June 4.

According to the sources, security personnel were swiftly deployed to the area following reports of an ongoing attack. However, by the time the troops arrived, the assailants had reportedly fled the scene.

Preliminary findings from the security assessment revealed that one person was killed during the attack, while a number of houses were set ablaze by the attackers, leaving residents devastated.

Investigators who visited the scene recovered two spent 7.62mm special ammunition cartridges, indicating that firearms were used during the assault.

The remains of the deceased were subsequently released to family members, who conducted burial rites in accordance with local customs.

Military authorities said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack. They also assured residents that security measures had been reinforced in and around the community to prevent further incidents and restore public confidence.

The latest attack adds to growing security concerns in parts of Katsina-Ala and other communities in Benue State, where residents continue to face threats from armed groups and militia attacks.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached to confirm the incident as of the time of filing this report.