From Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna

Suspected bandits have launched a fresh wave of attacks across parts of Kaduna State, killing at least five people, including three personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS), and abducting 27 residents in separate incidents in Giwa and Kubau Local Government Areas.

The attacks, which occurred between Saturday and Monday, also involved cattle rustling in communities in Giwa, further heightening security concerns across the affected areas.

According to the KADVS Public Relations Officer, Yunusa Shehu, two residents, identified as Alhaji Surajo and Alhaji Ado, were killed when bandits attacked Tunburku in Kidandan District in the early hours of Monday.

In a near-simultaneous attack on Tudun Amada in Kadage District, 26 residents were reportedly abducted, while another resident, Ayyuba Usman, sustained injuries.

Shehu said the attacks occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Monday, with the assailants targeting the two communities in Giwa Local Government Area.

The bandits also invaded Kura in Danmahawayi District at about 9 p.m. on Saturday and rustled cattle belonging to residents. The number of animals initially reported stolen was put at between 15 and 17, although authorities said efforts were ongoing to establish the exact figure.

Another cattle-rustling incident was reported at Kallon Kura, also in Danmahawayi District, where the attackers fled after security personnel mobilised to the area.

Following intelligence on the movement of the bandits and the stolen cattle, KADVS personnel reportedly engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the attackers to abandon the animals and retreat.

A security source said 19 cattle were subsequently recovered at about midnight on Saturday, September 5. The operation was conducted under the supervision of the KADVS Sector Coordinator in Giwa, who led the personnel during the recovery exercise.

Meanwhile, tragedy struck in neighbouring Kubau Local Government Area, where three KADVS personnel were killed along the Zaria-Pambegua axis.

The slain personnel were identified as Dallami Dantani, the Second-in-Command of KADVS in Kubau; Abdullahi Hamisu; and Zakariyya Musa.

KADVS spokesman Yunusa Ibrahim said the personnel were conducting routine security checks when they attempted to stop a red Volkswagen Golf Salon. The driver allegedly refused to stop, prompting the officers to pursue the vehicle in an official patrol van.

The suspects reportedly opened fire during the pursuit, killing Dantani before turning back towards the KADVS office, where Hamisu and Musa were also fatally shot. The attackers subsequently fled towards Zaria.

Barely hours later, suspected bandits invaded the residence of Sanusi, younger brother of Alhaji Shehu Pambegua, a member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly representing Kubau Constituency.

Ibrahim said the attackers arrived in a Sharon vehicle and abducted Sanusi at about 10 p.m. on Monday.

Reacting to the deaths, the Kaduna State Commander of KADVS, CP Ali Audu (rtd.), described the loss of the personnel as painful and commiserated with their families.

Audu commended the deceased officers for their courage and dedication to duty, assuring their families that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

He said security personnel had intensified surveillance in Pambegua and neighbouring communities, while efforts were underway to rescue the abducted victim and arrest those responsible.

The KADVS commander also urged personnel to remain vigilant and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard vulnerable communities across the state.

When contacted, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansur Hassan, said he would provide further clarification after obtaining details of the incidents. However, he had not responded as of the time of filing the report.

Bandits have attacked Ghandi community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing no fewer than eight farmers and leaving at least five others with gunshot injuries.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, sent residents into panic as the assailants reportedly stormed the community around 3:00 p.

The spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent.

Rufai said the command was aware of the attack, adding that details of the incident were being gathered.

According to him,” Yes, we are aware of the attack, 8 farmers were killed while another five were injured. We will make it public once we are done with the information being gathered on it,” Rafai added

A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the bandits opened fire on farmers in the community.

According to the source, “The bandits came around 3:00 p.m. and started shooting at people. No fewer than eight farmers were killed, while at least five others sustained gunshot injuries. ”The source alleged that the attack was carried out in retaliation for the killing of some members of the bandit group by security agencies during recent operations in the area.

He said, “We believe this was a retaliatory attack because some members of the group were killed by security personnel in the last few days.”

The latest attack has heightened concerns among residents of Ghandi and neighbouring communities, particularly farmers who have continued to face threats from armed groups operating in parts of the state.(PUNCH)

From Dan Amasingha, Minna

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and intelligence agencies to launch an immediate, coordinated operation to rescue more than 60 worshippers abducted during deadly attacks on mosques in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The directive followed Friday’s simultaneous attacks on four communities, Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana, where gunmen reportedly invaded mosques during Juma’at prayers, killing close to 30 worshippers and abducting scores of others.

Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Mohammed Nasir Abdullahi, confirmed that about 30 people were killed and said the bodies had been recovered and buried according to Islamic rites. He added that the number of abducted persons was slightly above 60.

The attackers reportedly rounded up worshippers and marched them into nearby forests. Women, children and elderly persons were among those taken, while several residents fled into the bush to escape the assault.

The assailants also reportedly set houses ablaze, including the residence of the District Head of Dekara, Abubakar Umar. The village Head of Ka’ada and the 90-year-old father of the Dekara District Head were also said to have been abducted.

Reacting to the incident, President Tinubu condemned the attack as barbaric and expressed outrage over the killing and abduction of innocent Nigerians.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the attackers as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity” and vowed that they would not escape justice.

“You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers and fathers are brought back safely to you,” Tinubu said.

The President directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular briefings on the rescue operation until every abducted victim is accounted for.

He also assured the people of Niger State that the Federal Government would provide the state government with all necessary support for recovery, relief and security reinforcement.

“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” he declared.

Security forces have since moved into the affected areas to restore calm and track the attackers, while residents have continued to relocate to safer locations, including New Bussa and, in some cases, across the border into the Benin Republic.

The latest attacks have heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in the area, with local sources saying some communities had already begun emptying out after terrorists reportedly threatened to kill residents who refused to leave.

The President’s directive signals a renewed federal response as security agencies