New kidnap horror in Oyo as terrorists kill pregnant woman, ransom bearer

—, demand N150m to release another captive

…Igboho threatens showdown, gives ultimatum

By Adeola Badru

The worsening wave  of violent crime  across Oyo State has taken a grim turn with the reported killing of a pregnant woman allegedly abducted by suspected Fulani kidnappers, despite ongoing ransom negotiations.

This development came amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the state, where residents have repeatedly raised the alarm over cases of abduction, killings and attacks on rural communities, prompting renewed calls for decisive action from security agencies.

The  incident, which has sparked outrage across the state, reportedly occurred in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area, where a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling were allegedly seized during a midnight raid by suspected Fulani gunmen.

According to reports, the abductors initially demanded N300 million for their release before reducing the ransom to N150 million.

However, despite negotiations, the pregnant woman was allegedly killed alongside an individual who had taken ransom money to facilitate her release, while at least one victim was said to have remained in captivity.

The development triggered a furious reaction from Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, who accused the kidnappers of unleashing terror on residents of the community and vowed that such acts would no longer be tolerated in his ancestral home.

Addressing Fulani leaders in Igboho in Yoruba, the activist expressed outrage over the killings and questioned how such an incident could occur in the town.

His words:”You can’t be kidnapping in my father’s land and expect me to keep quiet. I’m an original indigene of Igboho land.

“You kidnapped a pregnant woman, and the person who brought the ransom, you killed him and killed the pregnant woman, for what? In Igboho? You people are not even afraid of me in my father’s land?

“This should be the last, and it must end. My father has urged me to address you patiently. What I’m fighting in other people’s land, you can’t come here and be doing it in my father’s land.

“You people kidnapped a pregnant woman, killed the person who brought the ransom and left one person. You are not even afraid of God. It’s your boys that did the job.

“No, it’s the Yorubas they have been kidnapping, and it should not be like that. This should be the last, and let us stay in harmony.’’

Consequently, Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Igboho, demanding the immediate release of the remaining victims.

“I give you people two hours to release the woman, her children and her sibling who were kidnapped in the middle of the night. If I don’t see them within the next two hours, we will meet.

“When we first tracked that number, it led us to Alhaji’s residence and they removed them from there in the middle of the night to Bani’s compound. They took them to Baale’s compound, where they currently are,” he added.

Rejecting any possibility of the victims’ family paying the ransom demanded by the abductors, Igboho insisted that Fulani residents should collectively shoulder the responsibility of securing the captives’ release.

“We don’t have any ransom to pay. You Fulani should raise that ransom among yourselves and pay because we don’t have such money to pay. They started from N300 million and brought it down to N150 million.

“Fulani should contribute the ransom and get the woman, children and her sibling released. If they are killed, we will have a problem,” he declared.

Meanwhile, the latest incident has further heightened anxiety among residents of Igboho and neighbouring communities, with many awaiting the outcome of the ultimatum amid fears that the already tense situation could deteriorate further if the remaining captives are not freed.

Govt stronger than any terrorist, peace deals not an option 

— Gov Dauda Lawal 

…says those negotiating 

with kidnappers on their own

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Governor Dauda Lawal 

of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s opposition to negotiating with bandits, insisting that seeking peace deals with criminal groups remains unacceptable in the state.

The governor made the remarks during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service.

Lawal stated that it is an offence in Zamfara State to broker peace agreements with bandits as his administration is vehemently against it, stressing that the state government has consistently maintained a hard-line stance against negotiations with armed groups terrorising communities across the state.

The governor’s comments followed reports that some individuals recently entered into a truce arrangement with bandits operating in parts of the state. According to him, those involved acted independently and did not represent the position of the Zamfara State government.

He emphasised that his administration remains committed to a strategy centred on military operations and law enforcement actions rather than dialogue with criminal elements. Lawal argued that previous attempts at negotiating with bandits had failed to produce lasting peace and often emboldened criminal groups.

“Seeking a truce with bandits is not my opinion and never will be,” the governor said, reiterating that his government would not compromise with individuals responsible for killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes across Zamfara communities.

Lawal expressed confidence in the capacity of government security agencies to defeat banditry, maintaining that no criminal group possesses the strength to overwhelm the Nigerian state. He noted that the battle against insecurity may take time, but victory remains achievable through sustained operations.

The governor further stated that government institutions, backed by the armed forces and other security agencies, are significantly stronger than any notorious bandit leader operating in the region. He said the challenge lies in persistence and coordination rather than a lack of capacity.

According to him, the security strategy being implemented by his administration is already yielding results, with several previously volatile areas experiencing relative peace and improved security conditions.

 He credited the progress to ongoing military offensives and enhanced collaboration among security agencies.

Lawal also urged residents to remain patient and continue supporting lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace across Zamfara State. He assured citizens that the government would not relent in its determination to dismantle criminal networks and secure affected communities.

The governor’s latest remarks reinforce a position he has repeatedly maintained since assuming office: that lasting peace in Zamfara can only be achieved through decisive action against banditry rather than negotiated settlements. He expressed optimism that the state would overcome the security challenges confronting it.

Stronger stuff 20-06-26

Gunmen attack Plateau community, kill pregnant woman

By Golok Nanmwa

Gunmen have killed a 

pregnant woman and a young man in a fresh attack on Dyan community in Rim Village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources in the community said the attackers stormed the area at about 10 p.m. on Friday and opened fire, killing the two victims and throwing residents into mourning.

The deceased were identified as Mrs. Happiness Pam, 32, who was pregnant, and Daniel Luka, 24.

Reacting to the incident, the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) condemned the killings, describing the attack as gruesome and unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rwang Tengwong, the association said it received the report with shock and sadness, lamenting the persistent insecurity confronting communities in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State.

“It is heartbreaking that a pregnant woman carrying the hope of a family and an innocent young man with a promising future became victims of yet another senseless act of violence.

“These killings represent not only an attack on individuals but also an assault on the collective peace, security and humanity of our people,” the statement read.

BYM extended its condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Dyan community, Rim Village and the entire Riyom Local Government Area.

The group called on security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice. It also urged the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to take proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities.

Meanwhile, the association raised fresh concerns over worsening insecurity following the reported abduction of two drivers along the Kassa axis of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

According to BYM, the victims were travelling along the road at about 10 p.m. on Thursday when they were intercepted and abducted by armed men.

The association called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and strengthen security along major road corridors in affected communities.

BYM advised residents to remain vigilant and, where possible, avoid late-night travel along vulnerable routes. It also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across Plateau State.

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