Several persons are feared dead, while about 30 others have been declared missing following fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

DAILY POST gathered that the attackers had earlier invaded Ochobo community, where two persons were killed.

Their initial attempt to attack Agadagba community was reportedly repelled by residents. 

However, the gunmen returned on Saturday evening and opened fire on the community, killing several people, while about 30 others remain unaccounted for.

A resident, who spoke to our reporter from a hiding place, said the attackers stormed the community unexpectedly, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.

“They came shooting sporadically. Many people were killed, while several others escaped into the bush. As I speak with you, about 30 people are still missing, and we don’t know whether they are alive or dead,” the source said.

More to come.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued five family members of the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Umar Abdullahi, following a terrorist attack on his residence, while efforts are ongoing to secure his release.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that the council chairman was abducted after armed terrorists stormed his residence in the early hours of Saturday, killing members of his security detail during the attack.

The latest development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, the rescued victims comprise two of the chairman’s children, his wife, mother and another relative.

Danja said troops responded immediately after hearing gunshots and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of fire, forcing the terrorists to abandon the five family members during a hot pursuit.

He, however, said the terrorists escaped into the surrounding bushes with the council chairman.

The military spokesman disclosed that the attack claimed the lives of three members of the chairman’s security detail, comprising two police officers and a local vigilante, while a civilian was also killed.

He added that the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the attack.

According to the statement, the Theatre Command has activated a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, DSS, and local vigilantes to locate and rescue the abducted chairman.

The command said all available operational resources had been deployed to the ongoing operation and assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful measure was being taken to ensure the chairman’s safe release.

It appealed to members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information through established security channels that could assist the ongoing rescue operation.

The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that it would continue working with other security agencies until the abducted council chairman is rescued and those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.

The Oyo State Police Command says it has recovered a tricycle allegedly stolen at gunpoint and arrested a suspected armed robber in Ilorin, Kwara State, following intelligence received.

A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit acted swiftly on the information by mounting an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation at the Irepo area, where they successfully intercepted the tricycle, bearing registration number Lagos EPE 236 QR, and arrested the rider, Akindele Seun, 31.

Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to having robbed the owner of the tricycle at gunpoint in Ilorin, Kwara State, before fleeing with the vehicle into Oyo State.

The statement said the recovered tricycle has been taken into police custody, while concerted efforts are under way to trace and identify its rightful owner and facilitate its return. It added that investigations are also ongoing to apprehend any other person connected with the crime.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Oyo State does not become a safe haven or breeding ground for crime and criminality.

He emphasised that individuals who commit crimes within the state, as well as those who seek to transport the proceeds or instruments of crime into Oyo State, will continue to be identified, arrested, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, irrespective of where such offences were committed.

He assured residents that the command remains resolute in denying criminal elements any operating space within the state and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information in support of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property.