Bandits have beheaded a farmer in Panyam District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, while Boko Haram terrorists killed one person and set a palace ablaze in Borno State.
The Plateau farmer, identified as Ishaku Abalis, was attacked on his farm in the Panyam community. His killers beheaded him and took away his head.
The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, noting that attacks and kidnappings have become frequent in Panyam and Pushit Districts.
Describing the attacks as incessant, Dabit called for the creation of state police, arguing that local policing is crucial to complement federal security efforts and protect citizens.
He said, ‘Abalis’ head was cut off and taken away by the killers. The local security outfits are aware. The Sector Commander in Mangu LGA mobilised officers to the site and is aware of the sporadic attacks. The DPO Mangu is aware as well’.
Dabit urged for enhanced security presence in the region, emphasising that visible protection would deter attacks, restore confidence among residents, and safeguard lives.
Attempts to reach spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Major Samson Zhakom; and the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Kirawa community in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, on Monday night.
They burned down the palace of the District Head, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abubakar, killed one resident, destroyed shops, and abducted a male community member.
The attackers, reportedly arriving around 9 pm on motorcycles, caused mass displacement, with many residents fleeing into Cameroon.
The Chairman of the Kirawa Development Association, Yakubu Kirawa, confirmed the incident and called for a military brigade in the community.
He said, ‘They arrived around 9 pm, shot sporadically, burnt houses and shops, and many people fled to Cameroon. One person was also shot’.
A resident, Shaibu Abdul, added, ‘They attacked the palace of the District Head, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abubakar, and burnt down his house, though he escaped the attack’.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, described the renewed Boko Haram attacks as ‘a source of concern and frustration’, particularly as displaced persons were returning home with support from Governor Babagana Zulum.
He called on the military to deploy more troops, drones, attack helicopters, and utilise Technology, Equipment, Arms, Ammunition, and Motivation to end the decade-long insurgency.
As of filing, many residents remained in Cameroonian communities for safety.
The PUNCH previously reported that Boko Haram attacked motorists along the Kirawa-Pulka Road, killing a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) foiled bandit attacks in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
This comes a week after armed bandits and suspected herders ambushed and killed 11 security personnel under the code name Anyam Nyom.
According to a statement by OPWS acting Media Information Officer, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, operations between 26 and 28 September 2025, prevented attacks on Agurugu and Igyudu villages.
Troops engaged bandits in Sheekan village and along patrols toward Igyudu, forcing them to flee.
Recovered items include an automatic pistol, 33 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 15 rounds of 5.56x45mm, two AK-47 magazines, a hand grenade, tear gas canister, medical kits, and numerous mobile phones.
Zubairu said OPWS Force Commander, Major General Gara, praised the troops for their bravery and professionalism, assuring residents of Katsina-Ala and surrounding areas of their safety.
He urged the public to continue providing timely intelligence to aid military operations, emphasising, ‘We remain committed to restoring lasting peace in Benue and neighboring states. Our troops have shown resilience and determination, and we will not relent until these areas are completely secured’.
