*Again, Kwara, Plateau Are Attack Theatres
By our reporter
It is another weekend dripping with sorrow, bloodshed, anguish, and tears in the Middle Belt (North-Central Nigeria) as terrorists unleashed havoc on residents of the zone following different attacks.
When the dust cleared, at least four persons, including three among those observing a church vigil at night preparatory to service today, and a farmer, perished in cold blood.
Fifteen others were abducted in one of the operations with the terrorists herding them into unknown destinations.
Reports said, yesterday, the terrorists attacked worshippers at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, a suburb of Ikiran village, Ekiti Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, at about 8:30pm as the Christian adherents observed a vigil.
Confirming the attack in a statement today signed by Kwara State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent (SP) Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, the police said the incident was reported by cleric of the afflicted church, Pastor Adebayo Abiodun.
Adeyemi stated: “The incident was reported on 24th May, 2026, by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA Kwara State, who stated that while conducting a night vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village, on 23rd May, 2026, at about 2030hrs, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others to an unknown destination.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.
“The state Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has directed a comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, intelligence units and other operational assets for a coordinated rescue mission.”
According to the PPRO, the police boss condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric, callous and unacceptable.
He reportedly assured families of the dead, the maimed, and kidnapped victims that the Command has moved to rescue those abducted as well as nab the gunmen.
Tactics such as bush combing, intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations were being deployed to track the gunmen and bring them to book, the police commissioner reportedly said, even as he implored the public for timely and credible information to see the task to fruition.
Terrorists Hit B/Ladi, Murder Farmer, Steal Cows
Same yesterday, terrorists suspected to be Fulani herders snuffed life out of a 47-year-old man, Samuel Tsok, a farmer, in Barkin Ladi area of troubled Plateau State.
Reports said they raided Duru-Kamang community, Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
Tsok, who was known to be a large scale rearer of livestock, appeared to be the direct target of the terrorists.
Residents said 50 of Tsok’s cows were stolen by the terrorists after killing him in unfortunate circumstances.
Detailing what happened, in a statement, National Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth-Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, disclosed that from available information, Tsok had heard some strange noise and footsteps behind his house, and duly went out to find what was amiss.
On seeing him, the terrorists were said to have shot the farmer dead.
Describing communities across Barkin Ladi as peaceful and the incident as yet another shocking reminder of goings-on in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, and other parts of Plateau State, Tengwong said it was unacceptable that those he described as law-abiding citizens continued to live scared even as criminals poured lead and violence on them, destroying their lives and means of livelihood in the process.
The spokesman stated: “The Berom Youth-Moulders Association (BYM), under the leadership of Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, strongly condemns the gruesome attack carried out by armed Fulani terrorists on the Duru-Kamang community in the Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Friday night which resulted in the killing of an innocent citizen, Mr. Samuel Tsok, and the rustling of livestock.
“The unfortunate incident occurred at about the time the victim reportedly noticed suspicious movements behind his residence and stepped out to ascertain what was happening.
“The attempt to check the source of the disturbance behind his house proved fatal for the victim as he was shot dead on getting to his backyard.
“It was glaring that the attackers used that to draw him out of his house.
“He didn’t know that at the time, the marauders were busy stealing his cows. Over 50 cows belonging to Tsok were rustled by the Fulani bandits.”
PPRO for the State Command, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Alfred Alabo, who confirmed the attack in a statement, same day, disclosed that the Command has kicked off investigation into the matter.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Terrorists.
