The Kogi State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and leaders of the Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese have raised fresh concerns over worsening insecurity following separate attacks that reportedly claimed several lives and led to multiple abductions in Kogi and Kaduna States.

At the same time, an aide to President Bola Tinubu has urged residents of Kwara and Kogi states to temporarily suspend prayer gatherings on mountains and in forested areas because of increasing security threats.

In a statement issued by the Kogi State Secretary of MACBAN, Suleiman Muhammed, the association expressed sadness over the alleged killing of eight of its members in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The victims were identified as Isiaka Lawal, Larai Musa, the wife of Isiaka Lawal, Abdullahi Isiaka, Isah Isiaka, Saleh Isiaka, Samsiya Adamu, Asma’u Siuni, Basullube Musa, and Bello Musa.

The association also disclosed that Husseini Haruna, Abdullahi Abdullahi, and Sa’ida Haruna sustained injuries during the attack.

“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal killing of innocent pastoralist men, women and children in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.

“We condemn this barbaric act in the strongest terms and call on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, arrest the perpetrators and ensure that justice is served,” the statement said.

MACBAN warned that continued attacks on pastoral communities could worsen tensions among peaceful residents and called on governments, humanitarian organisations, and relevant authorities to provide relief materials and medical assistance to affected families.

The association urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while security agencies carried out investigations.

Similarly, leaders of the Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese decried renewed attacks on communities under the pastoral care of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Kurmin Dangana District, in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In a statement signed by the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel, the church said no fewer than nine persons had been killed and 25 others abducted in separate attacks within the last three months.

According to the statement, the latest attack occurred on Thursday at the Kurmin Bongo outstation, where terrorists reportedly invaded the community between 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. during heavy rainfall.

The church said five persons were killed and 10 others abducted despite efforts by vigilante groups to repel the attackers. It added that two abducted victims were later rescued.

The statement further disclosed that earlier attacks occurred at Kasaru-B outstation on March 2 and Sabon Gari outstation on May 1.

“During the Kasaru-B attack, one person was shot dead while another sustained multiple gunshot injuries. Eight persons, including the Mai Wa’azi, were abducted by the terrorists. Although some of the victims later regained freedom, two abductees were killed in captivity,” it stated.

The church said the Sabon Gari attack occurred barely two weeks after the release of victims abducted from Kasaru-B, adding that two persons sustained gunshot injuries while 10 others were abducted. One of the victims was later killed in captivity.

The archdiocese condemned the attacks and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable rural communities, warning that repeated assaults had displaced residents and created fear and uncertainty in the affected areas.

Amid the worsening security situation, Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), appealed to residents and religious groups in Kwara and Kogi states to suspend “Ori Oke” prayer gatherings until the situation improved.

“Ori Oke,” a Yoruba expression meaning “mountain top,” refers to prayer gatherings often held in remote mountainous areas by worshippers seeking spiritual retreats.

“The Office of the SSA to the President on Community Engagement, North-Central, has appealed to residents and religious groups in Kwara and Kogi States to temporarily suspend Ori Oke prayer gatherings until the security situation in the affected areas stabilises.

“The Office noted that God is omnipotent and can be worshipped anywhere, stressing that mountains and forests have increasingly become hideouts for bandits and criminal elements, thereby posing security risks to worshippers and communities,” the statement said.

Kwara and Kogi states have recorded repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months, leading to killings and abductions across several communities. (The Guardian)

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