Kwara Govt, Security Agencies Analyse Terrorists’ Video to Identify Kidnap Victims

The Kwara State Government has confirmed that it is working closely with security agencies and community leaders to ascertain the identities of kidnapped victims paraded in a video recently released by terrorists operating in parts of the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information, Bolanle Ojukoju, said government officials and security operatives are carefully analysing the footage to verify the identities of those shown and determine their communities of origin.

“Government officials and security agencies are carefully analysing the video to establish the identities of the individuals shown,” the statement said.

The terrorists had earlier released a video showing scores of abducted residents from Woro and Nuku communities. In the footage, the attackers accused the administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of allegedly downplaying the number of abducted persons following the attacks.

The state government, however, acknowledged the anxiety caused by the footage, stressing that the exact number of kidnapped victims has not yet been confirmed.

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According to Ojukoju, conflicting reports have continued to emerge since the attacks, making it difficult for authorities to announce a definitive figure.

“Since the incident, there have been varying accounts regarding the number of persons abducted. For this reason, neither the state government nor security agencies have announced a definitive figure.

“Our priority remains the safe rescue of every affected citizen and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice,” she said.

The government further disclosed that it is actively engaging leaders of the affected communities, particularly Woro, to assist in identifying victims seen in the video.

“We have engaged Woro community leaders to assist in identifying individuals seen in the footage. As of now, a few persons have been preliminarily identified from the video as residents of Woro.

“Community representatives have also indicated that more individuals remain unaccounted for,” the statement added.

Ojukoju also clarified that some persons initially reported missing have since returned to their families, while others may have temporarily relocated to neighbouring areas, including Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.

The government noted that its response and coordination committee, led by Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, continues to work with security agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to manage rescue efforts, humanitarian support, and the safe return of displaced residents.

While sympathising with families affected by the attacks, the state government urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

“The public is assured that verified updates will be provided as more information becomes available through proper coordination with security and community leaders,” the statement concluded.

Kwara Govt, Security Agencies Analyse Terrorists’ Video to Identify Kidnap Victims

26 Killed as Bandits Attack Niger Communities, Burn Police Station, Homes

A fresh bandit attack in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, has left at least 26 people dead, destroyed homes, looted shops, and burnt down a police station, heightening fears in communities already plagued by insecurity. The raid targeted Tungan Makeri and Nkpaso communities in Konkoso ward during the early hours of Saturday, with gunmen reportedly moving house to house in a coordinated assault.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, believed to number over 200 heavily armed men, executed some victims after tying their hands behind their backs. Seven of the deceased were reportedly slaughtered outright, while others were shot. Survivors fled in panic, leaving behind belongings, homes, and shops as the assailants razed property in their path.

The bandits also burnt down the police station at Konkoso, forcing officers on duty to flee. Although no weapons were reportedly taken, the destruction of the security post underscores the attackers’ dominance during the raid. Local sources suggest the assault may have been retaliatory, targeting communities that recently petitioned the federal government for a military base to curb escalating attacks.

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A community insider explained that the attackers told residents the government could not protect them and warned of further raids. Those killed were reportedly among the villagers advocating for federal intervention, sending a chilling warning to others.

This attack follows a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) appeal made last week by political and traditional leaders in Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas, requesting the federal government urgently deploy troops and establish a military base. Leaders described the security situation as “worrisome and scary,” with the entire Borgu Kingdom under siege from bandits and criminals over the past three months.

Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, noted that residents now live in constant fear, unable to farm, trade, or carry out daily activities safely. He called for urgent government intervention to restore peace.

As of the time of reporting, neither the Niger State Government nor the state police command has issued an official response to the attack. Security experts warn that the latest raid underscores the escalating security crisis in Niger State and North-Central Nigeria, calling for swift military reinforcement, better intelligence deployment, and protection of vulnerable communities.

26 Killed as Bandits Attack Niger Communities, Burn Police Station, Homes

‘Anti-Muslim Timetable’: MURIC Slams INEC Over 2027 Elections

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the 2027 election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the commission of acting as if there are no Muslims in Nigeria by fixing major election dates within the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement issued on 14 February 2026, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the timetable as exclusive, insensitive and provocative, warning that it could disenfranchise millions of Muslim voters across the country.

According to the schedule announced in Abuja on 13 February 2026 by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, the presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for 20 February 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are fixed for 6 March 2027. MURIC noted that Ramadan is projected to begin around 8 February and end about 10 March 2027, meaning all major elections would take place during the fasting period.

The organisation argued that holding elections during Ramadan would impose severe hardship on Muslim voters, electoral officials, ad hoc staff and security personnel who would be fasting while participating in a physically demanding national exercise. According to MURIC, this could lead to fatigue, reduced voter turnout and heightened tension at polling units.

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MURIC further accused INEC of failing to consider Nigeria’s religious diversity, questioning whether Muslim staff or commissioners were consulted during the drafting of the timetable. The group said proper consultation with past INEC chairmen would have highlighted the need to avoid scheduling elections during major national or religious events.

The group warned that the implications of the timetable go beyond inconvenience, alleging that it amounts to religious discrimination and an attempt to alienate and disenfranchise Nigerian Muslims. It also expressed concern that fasting security personnel and election workers could face excessive stress during early-morning deployments and long election hours.

Professor Akintola added that continued disregard for Muslim concerns could fuel anger among youths, warning that frustration may escalate if the timetable is not reviewed. He maintained that the election calendar gives the impression that Muslim opinions no longer matter in government decision-making.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not responded to MURIC’s claims or indicated whether it plans to review the 2027 election timetable. The development has sparked debate nationwide, with growing calls for inclusive and sensitive election planning in a multi-religious society like Nigeria.

‘Anti-Muslim Timetable’: MURIC Slams INEC Over 2027 Elections