farms deserted and 531 lives lost in a space of 4 months as insecurities take its toll

521 persons have been killed by terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements between July 1 and October 6, 2023, Sunday PUNCH can confirm, highlighting the worsening state of insecurity in the country.

In just six days in October, no fewer than 14 persons lost their lives in attacks by gunmen, according to tallies collated by our correspondents.

In September, 71 persons were killed; August saw 216 deaths, while the highest number of deaths as a result of insecurity at 219 was recorded in July.

For instance, on October 1, while Nigeria celebrated its Independence Day, a policeman was reportedly killed and four others sustained gunshot injuries after an attack in the Effium community of the Ohankwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Barely 24 hours later, bandits attacked residents of Soro community in the Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto State and killed three persons.

The next day, terrorists attacked the Nasarawa community in the Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one Samaila Mairago, a councillor representing Nasarawa Ward in the council.

On October 5, gunmen attacked Iware village along the Fufore-Jada Road, Adamawa State, killing a family of nine. On September 3, some suspected cultists killed a mentally challenged man and dismembered him in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

On the same day, two police officers, ASP Danjuma Joseph and Inspector Abu Elamaje, were killed, and another injured in an attack by gunmen in Enugu, the Enugu State capital.

The next day, three persons were killed in a cult clash in Ilorin, Kwara State.

On September 2, nine persons were killed, including seven worshippers in a mosque, by a gang of armed men in Saya village, Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The worshippers were said to be praying when the terrorists struck.

Five days later, three persons were killed in separate attacks by bandits in Kamantan and Sabon Kaura in the Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state.

The following day, two persons lost their lives, while six others were abducted when bandits invaded Kwarikwarasa village in the Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

In Rivers State, suspected cultists beheaded a Divisional Police Officer, Bako Angbashim, on September 8, while he was returning from an operation alongside some policemen.

Also, on September 11, gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked the Kulben community in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State and murdered 10 persons.

This has been the current situation due to insecurities.

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