Suspected gunmen have abducted a woman and killed a retired Nigerian Army officer during an attack on a residential community in Nasarawa State bordering the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The development was disclosed in a report by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert covering the Lake Chad region.

According to the report, the incident occurred at about 12:45am on Friday at Plot 038, PGC Community, located along the Nasarawa-FCT border near Jikwoyi.

Makama reported that the attackers invaded the residence of 46year-old Silas Orite and abducted his wife, Bukola Oluwatoyin Silas, 40year old, before taking her to an unknown destination.

The report further stated that the Community Chief Security Officer, Master Warrant Officer Reuben Yelwa, a 61year-old retired Nigerian Army personnel, responded to the scene in an attempt to assist the victims but was shot dead by the attackers.

According to Makama, police officers visited the scene after the attack, documented evidence and commenced investigations into the incident.

“Security operatives have intensified efforts to rescue the abducted woman unharmed and track down those responsible for the attack, while area domination operations have been reinforced to prevent further criminal activities,” the report stated.

A 60-year-old farmer, Emmanuel Kwaghchimin, has reportedly been killed by suspected armed herders while working on his farm in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The fatal attack occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Atse Village, Mbajir Council Ward, within the Abako axis of the local government area.

According to police sources, the victim was working in his farm when he was ambushed and murdered by the suspected attackers.

After receiving a distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Katsina-Ala mobilised officers to the scene of the incident.

The remains of the deceased were recovered and taken to Aboh Hospital for a post-mortem examination before being handed over to his family for burial.

Security personnel have since launched a search operation in surrounding bushes to track down the fleeing suspects, while police say investigations into the killing are continuing.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old suspected cult member, Yusuf Lamina Adigun, during a stop-and-search operation in the Ijaiye/Ojokoro area of Lagos, recovering a locally fabricated pistol loaded with a live cartridge from him.

The arrest, according to the police, formed part of ongoing operations aimed at curbing cult-related activities and other violent crimes across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Abimbola Adebisi.

According to the statement, police operatives intercepted a motorcycle carrying three passengers during a routine patrol and search operation in the area.

A search conducted on the occupants reportedly led to the discovery of a locally made firearm loaded with one live cartridge in the possession of Adigun.

“During the operation, officers searched the passengers on the motorcycle and recovered a locally fabricated pistol with one live cartridge from one of the suspects identified as Yusuf Lamina Adigun, aged 27,” the statement said.

The Command further disclosed that the suspect allegedly admitted during preliminary interrogation that he is a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

Police also claimed that Adigun confessed that he and other members of the cult group, who escaped arrest, were allegedly heading out to carry out an attack before they were intercepted by officers.

“He confessed to being affiliated with the Eiye cult group and disclosed that he and other members currently at large were on their way to attack some individuals before the police operation disrupted their movement,” the statement added.

The police said the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue.

The Command also stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the alleged cult group and recover additional weapons that may be in their possession.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-led policing and proactive operations targeted at dismantling cult groups and criminal networks operating across Lagos State.

He also appealed to residents to remain security conscious and continue to support the police with useful and timely information capable of preventing crime and improving public safety.

“The Command remains resolute in its determination to sustain aggressive operations against cultism and other violent crimes. Members of the public are encouraged to continue cooperating with the police by providing credible information that will aid crime prevention and ensure the security of lives and property,” the statement added.