Nigeria descended into another dark weekend as no fewer than 33 lives were violently cut short in a series of coordinated attacks by herdsmen, bandits, and kidnappers across five states — Benue, Imo, Kebbi, Ondo, and Kogi — leaving communities reeling from grief, fear, and uncertainty.
Benue: Ambush on Market Women, Children in Agatu
In Benue State, 15 innocent traders, including women and children, were ambushed and slaughtered by armed herdsmen in Ogwumogbio and Okpo’okpolo, Agatu LGA, while returning from Oweto market. Former Agatu Vice Chairman Anthony Ikwulono confirmed the unprovoked massacre. Survivors are hospitalised, and fear has gripped residents unable to retrieve the bodies left in the bush.
Imo: Herdsmen Return to Ravage Farmlands, Open Fire
In Imo State, the twin communities of Agwa and Amakohia-Ubi were attacked Saturday night by herders retaliating against attempts to stop them from grazing in community farmlands. Residents kept vigil overnight as sporadic gunfire rang through the darkness. One man sustained severe bullet wounds.
Kebbi: 15 Farmers Gunned Down in Waje
In Kebbi’s Waje village, Danko/Wasagu LGA, 15 farmers were brutally murdered on their way from the farm. Bandits arrived on motorcycles, firing indiscriminately. The police confirmed 10 deaths, while Deputy Governor Umar Abubakar Tafida acknowledged 15 victims and announced a ₦24 million relief fund.
Ondo: APC Chairman Killed Despite ₦5m Ransom
In Ondo State, APC Chairman Nelson Adepoyigi was shot dead by kidnappers who had earlier abducted him outside his Ifon residence. Despite receiving ₦5 million, the abductors killed him after failing to extort the full ₦30 million. The community is in mourning, with rising cases of home-front abductions.
Kogi: Bandits Kill Vigilantes After Monarch’s Kidnap
In Kogi State’s Ofoloke community, three young men — believed to be local hunters or telecom security aides — were murdered by bandits just days after the community's monarch, Oba Ogunyanda Illufemiloye, was kidnapped. The community is overwhelmed with fear as residents begin fleeing en masse.
Afenifere, Communities Demand State Police Amid Rising Carnage
Pan-Yoruba group Afenifere condemned the nationwide bloodshed, calling for urgent security reform, including the establishment of state police and equipping of armed forest guards, praising President Bola Tinubu’s recent initiatives but insisting more localized control is needed.
“Communities are under siege. The time to act is now,” said a youth leader from Yagba West, Kogi.
As tears flow and graves multiply, Nigerians are demanding action, not condolences.
