By Sandra Ugwu

At least 22 people, including health workers and security personnel, were killed in a deadly attack on Kawel community in Bokkos Local Government Area, according to local sources. The assailants reportedly stormed the village on Sunday night, attacking residents and a primary healthcare centre. While community leaders put the death toll at 22, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed 20 fatalities, including two victims who later died from injuries sustained during the attack.

The Caleb Mutfwang administration condemned the killings and ordered security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible. Additional police tactical teams have been deployed to restore calm and strengthen security in the area.

In a separate incident, suspected kidnappers launched two attacks in Owo. Security operatives foiled an attempt to abduct community leader and pastor, Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, after engaging the attackers in a gun battle. Hours later, gunmen abducted a woman and her two children after shooting her husband. However, a joint police and military operation successfully rescued the victims, while efforts continue to track down the fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, residents and civil society activists in Ibadan staged protests over worsening insecurity and the continued captivity of dozens of pupils, students, and teachers abducted in May from schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Demonstrators blocked major roads and demanded urgent government action to secure the release of the victims.

Responding to public concerns, Adegoke Fayoade assured Nigerians that security agencies were intensifying efforts to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, emphasizing that all available resources were being deployed to secure their freedom.

The security situation also drew reactions from Sunday Adeyemo, who reiterated that his advocacy on insecurity targets criminal elements rather than any ethnic group. Similarly, Catholic bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province criticized the reintegration of repentant terrorists into society and security structures, arguing that such policies undermine justice and fail to address the suffering of victims.

The latest incidents have renewed concerns over persistent insecurity across several parts of Nigeria and increased calls for stronger security reforms, improved intelligence gathering, and enhanced protection of vulnerable communities.