Armed bandits have abducted about six residents in a late-night attack on Rukpete Village in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, DAILY POST reports.

According to a community source, the incident occurred at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026.

The attackers reportedly carried out the operation quietly, initially kidnapping seven individuals.

The source disclosed that one elderly victim was later released by the assailants, while the remaining six victims were taken away.

The victims, comprising four men and two women, were abducted before security operatives could intervene.

It was further gathered that some of the abducted victims were children under the age of 14, heightening concern within the community.

The attack has created widespread fear among residents, who are now calling on government authorities and security agencies to take swift and decisive action to secure the victims’ release and prevent further incidents.

Banditry and kidnappings for ransom have continued unabated despite concerted efforts by security forces in parts of the country, particularly in rural communities and ungoverned areas.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has vowed to intensify raid operations on drug flashpoints across the state.
DAILY POST reports that Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, Commander of the Edo State Command of the agency, stated this when he played host to the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Obo Effanga, and the President of the Faculty of Peace Organization, Osunbor Kelly Omokaro, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Benin City.

Ofoyeju said the operations are aimed at ensuring peaceful and violence-free elections across the state.

According to him, “We will conduct targeted raid operations on identified drug flashpoints before, during and after the elections. Our goal is to take illicit drugs off the streets and deny criminal elements the means to cause disruption.

“Nigerians deserve peaceful, credible elections, and NDLEA will help pave the way for that,” he said.

He opined that the visits underscored the Edo State Command of the NDLEA’s growing collaboration with government institutions and civil society in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

While expressing satisfaction with the President of the Faculty of Peace Organization and other members, he promised to work closely with the organization in its targeted areas of focus.

He added that drug abuse prevention requires all hands on deck.

“We welcome partners like your organisation who are committed to building a drug abuse-free society through education and accountability. Together, we can save more youths from the scourge of drugs,” he added.

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Obo Effanga, commended the command for its support and professionalism during previous election monitoring assignments in Edo State.

Effanga opined that INEC’s success in past elections was partly due to the NDLEA’s role in curbing drug-induced violence capable of undermining peaceful elections.

He, however, solicited renewed collaboration from the agency for the forthcoming elections, noting that drug and substance abuse remain major drivers of electoral violence.

On his part, Osunbor Kelly Omokaro stated that the NGO focuses on promoting a culture of excellence, budget tracking for transparency, and drug abuse prevention among youths.

Omokaro also commended the NDLEA in the state for its visible efforts in reducing the supply of drugs and appealed for closer collaboration in advocacy, sensitisation, and community outreach programmes.

Residents of Apa Local Government Area of Benue State have expressed outrage following allegations that soldiers assaulted and disarmed youth volunteers who were mobilising to strengthen community security amid persistent attacks by suspected armed herders.

The incident reportedly occurred in Adija community, days after three farmers were said to have been killed in Ikobi community, one of several areas that have experienced repeated security challenges in recent months.

According to local sources, youth volunteers from various communities had gathered in Ologo and Asaba villages to discuss security concerns and possible community protection measures.

The volunteers were reportedly intercepted by soldiers while returning to their respective communities.

During the encounter, a local vigilante commander, Olowo Otache, and his younger brother were allegedly beaten and sustained injuries.

Residents said the two men were subsequently taken to General Hospital, Ugbokpo, where they received medical attention.

The incident reportedly provoked anger among residents, leading to protests and a temporary blockade of the Otukpo–Oweto Federal Highway by youths demanding improved security and greater protection for vulnerable communities.

Speaking on the development, a youth volunteer identified as Adu Aboh said local youths had become increasingly concerned about the frequency of attacks and killings in the area.

According to him, many residents believe their communities remain exposed to security threats despite repeated appeals for intervention.

Aboh further alleged that soldiers confiscated locally made firearms belonging to some volunteers during the operation.

Another resident, Energy Onoja, said local volunteers had previously collaborated with security agencies, particularly the police, to support community safety efforts.

He expressed concern that the latest incident could undermine local security initiatives.

Residents also highlighted growing insecurity along the Apa–Agatu corridor, where several communities have reportedly experienced attacks, displacement of residents and destruction of livelihoods.

Ofu Adu, a resident of Ochumekwu community, alleged that security agencies were often informed before attacks occurred but that responses sometimes arrived after significant damage had been done.

The latest development has intensified calls for stronger security deployment across vulnerable communities in Apa Local Government Area.

Community leaders appealed to the Federal Government, security agencies and the Benue State Government to strengthen protective measures, investigate the allegations and restore public confidence in security operations.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military had not issued an official statement regarding the allegations.