About 20 communities deserted in Kwara by fleeing residents from bandits

By: Bodunrin Kayode

About 20 towns and villages have been abandoned by residents in southern kwara state due to the heinous activities of bandits in the general area.

The residents had to flee their ancestral homes because the bandits who started pouring in from Niger state in large numbers were not just kidnapping them like animals for ransom, they shot at any living being that they sighted without mercy.

The attack reached a crescendo when even the armed vigilantes known locally as “ode” were not spared because most of them had inferior weapons to what the bandits were carrying to unleash their genocide.

Residents of igbajo town who spoke with this reporter on phone hinted that their ancestral home would have been the next destination of the bandits if not for the saving grace of the Army command which mobilized from Ibadan to save the people from these part of the state.

The bandits had had a field day of a large chunk of northern and southern Kwara before the timely intervention of the GOC 2 division Major General Chinedu Nnebeife and his troops.

Some of the names of these abandoned towns include: Ologomo, Ajegunle, Agban, Alebe Owode, Alasoro, Alawan, Bankole, Oreke,Ganmu, Babanla, Ayetoro, Budo, Arifowomo, Apata, Olosun, Oreke Isale, Sagbe, Olohun Tele, Oke Ode, Ilu Agunjin.

Investiagtion reveals that Kara markets are cattle markets mainly run by Fulanis as such a lot of the bandits use that market as the conduit to penetrate both south and northern kwara and end up killing people at nights.

The Chairmen of the 7 local government areas in Kwara state ( Yoruba Igbomina, Ekiti, and Ibolo) had earlier ordered the closure of all Kara markets in the southern senatorial zone but unfortunately the Olupo of Ajassepo
Oba Atoloye Alebiosu directed the reopening of the market in his domain which is the biggest one in the entire state and an incubating venue for the bandits.

Bandits and boko haram insurgents have been working jointly to destabilize the entire northern Nigeria starting from the north east where they have held sway for 16 years, moving to the north west and now the north central sending hundreds to their early graves.

The Governors forum in Nigeria have equally approved the creation of state police to enable them take charge of their states and police the several lacuna that the overstretched federal police cannot handle.

But politics and government red tape keeps dragging the implementation backwards with some antagonist against such a good policy claiming that the Governors will have too much powers which they actually need to assist the federal authorities fight back against such wickedness from these bandits and insurgents.

It is obvious that both the federal forces and police are very much over stretched with a total population of less than a million personnel and not being able to meet even 30% of their responsibilities to the sub nationals making it difficult for residents to sleep with two eyes closed in northern Nigeria.

If the sub regional State police takes off as alluded recently by President Bola Tinubu after some skirmishes by bandits in Katsina, every community of over 2000 residents in the country will be entitled to a major police division which the federal police cannot afford to give to Nigerians now.

The desperate imposition of forest guards by the federal government would then be permanently restricted to monitor most of our porous borders until the political leadership sees sense in building the much needed fence to ward off these foreigners who come in with their strange agenda aided by some unscrupulous politicians to destabilize the country.

About 20 communities deserted in Kwara by fleeing residents from bandits

Gunmen attack policemen on patrol in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Two policemen have sustained gunshot injuries after being attacked by unknown gunmen along Ogobia–Adoka Road in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Zagazola confirmed from sources that the incident in a statement on Monday, saying it occurred at about 9 p.m. on Sunday.

According to the sources , the officers, identified as Insp. Amos Okoh and Insp. Joseph Adowebo, were on routine patrol duty when they came under attack by the armed men.

The sources added that upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Adoka mobilised a patrol team to the scene and evacuated the injured officers to the Teaching Hospital in Otukpo.

The injured policemen are said to be responding to treatment.

Meanwhile, the Command has launched a manhunt for the attackers to ensure their arrest and prosecution.

It also urged residents of the area to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist in apprehending the perpetrators.

Gunmen attack policemen on patrol in Benue

Troops’ heroism in Rijau restores confidence, hope among residents

By: Zagazola Makama

A wave of relief and renewed confidence has swept through Rijau and surrounding communities in Niger North, following the successful operation by troops of the Nigerian Army that foiled a major bandits’ invasion of the area.

The troops, drawn from the Kontagora Barracks, Rijau and Warari Camps, as well as Zuru Barracks, engaged the heavily armed bandits in a fierce battle, neutralising several of them and forcing others to flee in disarray.

The coordinated offensive, backed by timely surveillance and reconnaissance support from the Nigerian Air Force, was described by residents as a decisive and morale-boosting victory against the criminal elements who had threatened to overrun Rijau town.

The operation, demonstrated exceptional professionalism, tactical discipline, and synergy among the various security formations deployed in the axis.

In a heartfelt commendation, concerned citizens have lauded the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their courage, resilience, and sacrifice in defending the community.

“Their bravery and tactical brilliance forced the criminals to flee for their lives, while several were captured through swift and coordinated efforts,” one statement of appreciation read.

The message also commended the Commanding Officer of Kontagora Barracks, the Commander of Rijau Camp and his personnel, the Warari Camp Commander and his team, as well as the officers and men of Zuru Barracks, for their seamless collaboration and dedication to national duty.

Equally acknowledged was the Nigerian Air Force for its crucial role in providing aerial intelligence that enhanced the precision and success of the ground operations.

Residents in Rijau have since expressed renewed faith in the nation’s security forces, describing the latest operation as a “turning point” in the fight against banditry in Niger North.

“This victory is not just a military success, it it is a message of hope, resilience, and healing for our people,” a resident said, adding that the troops’ heroism had restored confidence and stability in the area.

The commendation further urged the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to sustain the momentum, intensify operations, and ensure the total restoration of peace and security across the region.
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