Police Rescue 76 Abducted Children and Arrest Three Suspects in Kaduna After Foiling a Planned Kidnapping Operation

Over the past 24 hours, violence erupted in Oyo and Benue States, leaving communities in shock and fear.

In these attacks, a total of nine lives were lost—highlighting the persistent insecurity in these regions.

The violence didn’t stop there; as the chaos unfolded, the police in Kaduna successfully intervened in a planned kidnapping attempt, rescuing 76 children in a dramatic operation.

A Deadly Assault in Oyo State

On the night of January 5, 2026, armed bandits launched a surprise attack on the National Park Service (NPS) facility in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The assault, which caught NPS personnel off guard, resulted in the tragic deaths of four park officers.

Several others were injured in the well-coordinated attack, which sent waves of fear through surrounding communities.

Eyewitnesses described the ambush as swift and unsettling, with the assailants infiltrating the area unnoticed.

Panic quickly spread, and many residents are now fearful of more attacks in the coming days.

The police quickly responded to the incident, deploying tactical units to the area to restore order and prevent further violence.

Oyo State’s police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the attack and assured that the situation was being managed with the deployment of additional security forces.

Benue’s Agricultural Heartland Plunged Into Mourning

Simultaneously, in Benue State, five farmers lost their lives in a horrifying attack by suspected armed herders.

The assault took place in Udeku Maav-Ya community, part of the Kwande Local Government Area, as farmers were busy harvesting crops like yams and bambara nuts.

The attackers didn’t retreat immediately after the murders, increasing the level of tension in the area.

Tersua Yarkwan, the chairman of Kwande Local Government, confirmed the tragic deaths and noted the increased difficulty of farming in the region.

With the terrain posing challenges for both farmers and security forces, the repeated attacks on this border community have left residents anxious about their safety and the future of their livelihoods.

Local leaders expressed frustration over the ongoing violence, with a former councilor, Lawrence Akerigba, sharing that the community had been subjected to relentless attacks by herders.

These assaults, marked by shootings and the destruction of property, have forced many residents to abandon their farms in fear.

Schools, churches, and markets have all been shut down, leaving the area paralyzed by insecurity.

A Narrow Escape in Kaduna: Police Prevent Planned Kidnapping

In a much-needed victory for security forces, the police in Kaduna State successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt that could have resulted in even greater harm.

Acting on a tip-off, the police mobilized quickly to intercept the attackers planning to abduct children in the Kasuwan Magani area of the state.

On the evening of January 5, 2026, police raided the location and rescued 76 children, ranging from seven to 20 years old, who were being transported by the kidnappers.

The children were unharmed and are now under the care of the police at the Command Headquarters, awaiting identification by their families or guardians.

Three individuals, identified as Jonathan John (25), Oliver Magaji (27), and Bitrus Sawaba (23), were arrested in connection with the operation.

Initial investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in trafficking children for forced labor and domestic work across various parts of the country.

The swift police response and the rescue of the children were hailed as a success, but the investigation is far from over.

Authorities are now focused on identifying any additional perpetrators and uncovering the full extent of the human trafficking ring.

The three arrested suspects will face formal charges once the investigation is concluded.

Ongoing Concerns for Security and Safety

The events of the past 24 hours underscore the growing insecurity that many Nigerian communities continue to face.

From deadly attacks in Oyo and Benue to the foiled kidnapping in Kaduna, it’s clear that the threat of violence is ever-present.

As investigations continue, residents of these affected states are left grappling with the trauma of violence that seems to have no end.

While authorities are working to address the immediate threats, the broader question remains: how can security forces better protect vulnerable communities, and how can these cycles of violence be broken?

In the midst of this uncertainty, one thing is clear: the people of Oyo, Benue, and Kaduna have witnessed yet another devastating chapter in the ongoing struggle for peace and stability.