Nigeria’s worsening security crisis escalated on multiple fronts on Monday as at least 22 people were killed in a deadly attack on a Plateau State community, suspected kidnappers launched coordinated raids in Ondo State, and angry protesters shut down major roads in Ibadan over the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
The developments came amid renewed calls for stronger security measures, as religious leaders condemned the reintegration of repentant terrorists into society and security institutions, while Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho defended his security advocacy against allegations of ethnic bias.
22 Killed in Fresh Plateau Attack
No fewer than 22 people, including health workers, patients and security personnel, were killed when gunmen attacked Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community, shooting indiscriminately and targeting homes and public facilities, including the community’s Primary Health Care Centre.
A Red Cross official involved in emergency response operations disclosed that health workers on duty and patients receiving treatment were among those killed, while several others sustained gunshot and machete injuries.
Bokkos Youth Leader, Christopher Luka, who visited the affected area, said the death toll rose from an earlier figure of 19 to 22 after further assessments.
According to him, women, health workers and patients were among the victims, while rainfall delayed burial arrangements for the deceased.
The attack occurred less than a week after the killing of the District Head of Gwande, Saf Samuel Alaket, who was attacked while returning from a traditional council meeting.
Police, Government Launch Manhunt
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed 20 deaths from the attack, explaining that armed assailants invaded the community late Sunday night before security operatives engaged them in a gun battle and forced them to retreat.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo said 18 victims were initially confirmed dead, while two others later died in hospital.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, has ordered intensified operations in the area, while additional tactical teams and Police Mobile Force personnel have been deployed to restore confidence and strengthen security.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless act of violence against a peaceful community.
The governor directed security agencies to track down the perpetrators, bring them to justice and provide immediate support to victims and affected families. He also warned against reprisal attacks and urged residents to cooperate with ongoing investigations.
Panic in Ondo as Kidnappers Strike Twice
Fear gripped residents of Owo in Ondo State after suspected kidnappers carried out two separate attacks on Sunday night.
In the first incident, six armed men reportedly invaded the residence of community chairman, Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, in an attempt to abduct him. However, police operatives responded swiftly, engaged the attackers in a gun battle and forced them to flee into nearby bushes.
Pastor Taiwo and his family were rescued unharmed and relocated to safety.
Hours later, suspected kidnappers struck again at Gbegun community, Alhaja Camp, where they shot 39-year-old Daniel Ologun in the leg before abducting his wife, Taibat, and their two young children.
A joint rescue operation involving police and military personnel led to the successful rescue of the woman and her children after the kidnappers reportedly abandoned them while escaping with gunshot wounds sustained during a gun battle with security operatives.
Daniel Ologun is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
Ondo Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed both incidents said security forces have intensified bush-combing operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal hideouts.
Protesters Shut Down Ibadan Over Kidnapped Schoolchildren
Meanwhile, frustration over rising insecurity spilled onto the streets of Ibadan as members of the Take It Back Movement blocked the busy Iwo Road interchange, causing severe traffic disruption.
The protesters demanded urgent government intervention and the immediate release of pupils, students and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.
National Coordinator of the group, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest was a continuation of sustained actions aimed at drawing attention to the plight of the victims.
Carrying placards and banners, demonstrators accused authorities of failing to secure the release of the captives and warned that mass protests would continue until all abducted persons regain their freedom.
The protest left commuters stranded for several hours as security personnel monitored the situation.
DIG Assures Families of Imminent Rescue
Responding to growing public concern, South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Adegoke Fayoade, assured Nigerians that security agencies are working tirelessly to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Speaking during a working visit to the Lagos State Police Command, Fayoade said all government agencies were committed to rescuing the victims and insisted that discussions were focused on rescue operations rather than ransom negotiations.
He also disclosed plans to strengthen policing through improved manpower, enhanced welfare for officers, technology-driven operations and intelligence-led policing.
According to the DIG, the recruitment of 40,000 new police personnel is already underway as part of efforts to improve security nationwide.
Security Fight Is Not Ethnic, Says Sunday Igboho
Amid the growing security debate, Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, rejected claims that his campaign against insecurity targets any ethnic group.
Responding to criticism from the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, Igboho said his advocacy has always focused on criminal elements responsible for kidnapping, killings, rape and violent attacks.
Through his spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, he maintained that crime has no ethnic or religious identity and urged Nigerians to unite against criminality regardless of the perpetrators’ background.
He described attempts to portray his position as ethnic profiling as misleading and insisted that protecting innocent lives remains his primary concern.
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Adding to the national conversation on insecurity, Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province criticised the government’s policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant terrorists and bandits.
In a statement signed by Most Rev. Gabriel Leke Abegunrin and Most Rev. Anselm Lawani, the bishops described the practice as a betrayal of justice and an insult to victims of violent crimes.
The clerics argued that reintegrating former terrorists while victims continue to suffer trauma and loss undermines public confidence in the justice system and could encourage further criminality.
They called for the immediate release of the abducted Oriire pupils and teachers and urged both federal and state governments to implement comprehensive security reforms, including improved intelligence gathering, better policing of forests, deployment of modern technology and the establishment of state police.
According to the bishops, lasting peace, national healing and unity can only be achieved through justice, accountability and meaningful support for victims of insecurity.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.