Suspected Terrorists Kidnap Travellers on Kwara Highway Amid Rising Insecurity

Suspected Terrorists Kidnap Travellers on Kwara Highway Amid Rising Insecurity

Kwara, Niger State, Nigeria – Barely 48 hours after terrorists killed over 40 people in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, suspected terrorists struck again in Kwara State, kidnapping at least four travellers along the busy Isanlu–Isin–Omu Aran highway.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, targeting motorists on a key route connecting Kwara South to the state capital, Ilorin. Sources said armed men forced vehicles to stop before whisking passengers away to an unknown location, operating freely on the highway. At press time, Kwara State Police had yet to issue an official statement on the attack.

Meanwhile, in Niger State, bandits attacked a Nigeria Police Border Patrol Team outpost at New Kalli village, Borgu LGA, setting ablaze officers’ accommodation and destroying farm produce. No casualties were reported, but fear continues to grip local communities. Musa Saidu, Disaster Officer of Borgu LGA, confirmed that security agencies had been alerted and assessments were ongoing.

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Residents of Agwara and Borgu LGAs are fleeing their homes following the Saturday terrorist attacks. Parishioners and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, recently abducted and released, remain traumatized, hiding in the bush as rumors of further attacks spread. Revd. Father Matthew Kabirat, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, confirmed ongoing evacuations of parishioners and priests.

Reacting to the attacks, former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, condemned the killings, calling on the Federal Government to halt the normalisation of mass killings in Nigeria. Obi highlighted a disturbing nationwide trend of terrorist attacks across Plateau, Kano, Katsina, and Niger States, urging a coordinated and decisive government response.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, also condemned the attacks as barbaric and inhuman, reiterating support for President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to combat terrorism and banditry. Yilwatda called for enhanced intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks and protect citizens.

With attacks intensifying across North-Central Nigeria, residents continue to flee vulnerable communities, underscoring urgent calls for security reinforcements and military interventions to prevent further loss of life and displacement.

Suspected Terrorists Kidnap Travellers on Kwara Highway Amid Rising Insecurity