Gunmen Attacks Across Three States Stir Security Fears as Police Probe Motives

A wave of violent attacks across parts of Nigeria over the past week has renewed concerns about the country’s security situation after gunmen kidnapped relatives of a prominent politician in Oyo State, shot a local party chairman in Osun State and killed four people in an attack on a government convoy in Anambra State.

The incidents, which occurred in different states and under different circumstances, remain under investigation. Authorities have not established any political link among the attacks, though their timing amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 election cycle has fueled public speculation.

The most high-profile case occurred on Wednesday in Ibadan, where gunmen abducted Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.

According to a statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the victims were seized at about 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.

“The family of Adebayo Adelabu… wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul,” Awogboro said.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident and said it had launched a rescue operation.

Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade said the command had deployed “all necessary resources” to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible.

Just days earlier in Osun State, gunmen reportedly opened fire on Ashimiyu Ajibola, chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area. The attack left him seriously injured and sparked condemnation from political stakeholders in the state. Local reports said security agencies had commenced investigations into the shooting while efforts continued to identify the assailants. Authorities have not announced any arrests or disclosed a motive.

Meanwhile, in Anambra State, four people were killed after gunmen attacked the convoy of Ben Nwankwo, chief of staff to Governor Charles Soludo, as he returned from an official assignment. Nwankwo survived the attack.

Law Mefor, Anambra’s commissioner for information and value reformation, described the incident as an assault on the state’s stability.

“This was more than an attack on one person. It was an attack on the peace, security, and democratic order of our state, as well as the Government and people of Anambra,” Mefor said.

He added that four people were killed and pledged that security agencies would bring those responsible to justice.

“Sadly, four persons lost their lives and deserve justice,” he said.

The commissioner described the incident as an “isolated incident” and said it would not derail the state’s security efforts.

The clustering of attacks has drawn attention because they involve individuals connected to politics and government. However, security experts caution that there is currently no evidence linking the incidents to a coordinated campaign or broader political conspiracy.

Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges ranging from kidnapping-for-ransom and banditry to politically motivated violence and separatist unrest. While authorities investigate the latest attacks, the incidents underscore the persistence of security threats even in parts of southern Nigeria that have traditionally experienced lower levels of violence than the country’s conflict-ridden northern regions.

For now, law enforcement agencies in Oyo, Osun and Anambra states say investigations remain ongoing, and officials have urged the public to avoid speculation until facts surrounding the attacks are fully established.