By Sunny Anyanwu
Fresh incidents of killings, kidnappings and violent clashes in parts of the country have heightened security concerns, amid warnings of increasing use of drones by terrorist groups in West Africa.
In Kogi State, residents of Ejule community in Ofu Local Government Area reported the alleged abduction of passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle along the Ejule–Aloma road.
Local sources said gunmen intercepted the vehicle, while security agencies were yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report.
In a related development, four persons were confirmed dead following a clash between armed men and residents in parts of Ibaji Local Government Area of the state.
The Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, condemned the violence and called for swift intervention by security agencies.
Similarly, in Benue State, nine worshippers were abducted during a church vigil at Saint John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Ado Local Government Area.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident and said tactical units had been deployed to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, security analysts have expressed concern over reports that extremist groups in the Lake Chad region are increasingly deploying drones in attacks.
Data from conflict monitoring organisations indicate that some insurgent groups have used commercially acquired drones for surveillance and armed assaults in parts of north-eastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
President Bola Tinubu, speaking at the National Economic Council Conference in Abuja, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
He described terrorism and banditry as alien to the country’s values and pledged sustained efforts to restore peace, noting that security remains central to economic growth and national development.
The President called for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments to address insecurity, while security agencies continue operations to curb violent crimes across affected communities.
