By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Armed men abducted a school proprietor and at least 18 others in coordinated attacks in Kwara and Benue states on Wednesday evening, targeting residents and travellers, including candidates heading for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board exams, with incidents reported in Odo-Ore community, Isin LGA, and along the Makurdi–Otukpo road.
Attack on School Proprietor in Kwara
Gunmen stormed Odo-Ore community around 11 p.m. and abducted Yusuf Yunusa, a politician and school owner.
A resident alleged that informants may have guided the attackers. According to the source, the gunmen moved directly to Yunusa’s residence.
“They arrived at his house and forced their way inside,” the resident said. “They broke the door and took him away.”
Yunusa had arrived earlier that day from Lagos. He was preparing to sleep when the attackers struck.
Meanwhile, the gunmen also kidnapped four Hausa farmers while leaving the community.
Lack of Security Raises Concerns
Residents expressed fear following the incident. Notably, the community has no police station or visible security presence.
This attack marks the first of its kind in the area. Consequently, locals now demand urgent government intervention.
A senior officer at the Owu-Isin Divisional Headquarters confirmed the incident. However, the Kwara State Police Command has not issued an official response.
Benue Bus Attack: 14 Passengers Kidnapped
In a separate incident, gunmen abducted 14 passengers along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway in Benue State.
The victims were travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus around 7 p.m. The attackers intercepted the vehicle a few kilometres from Otukpo.
They forced the passengers into a nearby forest shortly after stopping the bus.
Students Among Victims
Sources revealed that many victims were students heading to Otukpo for their UTME exams.
“The bus was full,” a source said. “Most passengers were students going to write exams.”
However, about four الأشخاص, including the driver, escaped during the attack.
Police Launch Rescue Operation
The Commissioner of Police in Benue, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the incident and led the response.
“I am in Otukpo now,” he said. “My team and DPOs are already in the bush conducting rescue operations.”
He added that investigations are ongoing to determine why the bus travelled at night, contrary to company policy.
Questions Over Night Travel
Authorities noted that Benue Links does not operate night services. Despite this, the driver reportedly picked passengers after official closing hours.
This decision may have exposed the travellers to the attack.
Rising Security Concerns
These incidents highlight growing insecurity in parts of Nigeria. Communities without security infrastructure remain especially vulnerable.
Residents now call for improved surveillance, stronger policing, and rapid emergency response systems.
