.Raises alarm over use of drones by terrorists on military bases
.As gunmen attack Benue community, kill traditional ruler, wife, others
IBRAHIM QUADRI with Agency report
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has stated that the disclosure credited to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum that terrorists now use drones to attack military bases is quite worrisome.
Afenifere noted Federal Government should expose saboteurs within the system and in the communities as well as the need to beam a searchlight on foreign interests suspected of sponsoring terrorism in the country.
The organization’s view was as expressed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, in response to a question by Daily Champion.
According to Ajayi, it is a known fact that terrorists in Nigeria appear to be growing in sophistication just as their acts of terrorism are very much on the increase.
“To now get what appears to be a confirmation that terrorists now use drones to attack military bases is quite worrisome going by the devastating effects this is having on the security of the country.”
Afenifere spokesman who agreed with Governor Zulum that ‘what was regarded as a small conventional matter has transformed into a huge challenge also endorsed the governor’s prescription on the need to “also evolve scientifically and technologically to meet the challenge before it overwhelms the nation.”
He reiterated some points that Afenifere has always made on this issue of insecurity to wit: “the need to quickly bring state police into fore; the need to provide security agencies with modern security equipment, particularly the armed forces; the need to boost the morale of our security officers; the need to look inward for saboteurs within the system and in the communities as well as the need to beam a searchlight on foreign interests suspected to be sponsoring terrorism with a view to having unrestraint access to solid minerals in our lands”.
Ajayi concluded by saying that if the above were not taken into consideration and dealt with, efforts being made combating terrorism may not yield the expected result.
Governor Zulum had raised a red flag over the growing sophistication of bandits and terrorists, warning that Nigeria’s security strategies and equipment are outdated compared to those employed by the enemies, who are now deploying drones and AI tracking tools before striking.
Speaking on Tuesday at the launch of the Kogi State Security Summit and Fundraising event at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, Zulum said conventional methods of fighting insurgency have become ineffective. “Bandits and terrorists now deploy advanced drones and artificial intelligence tools on the battlefield to locate troops and military equipment,” he cautioned.
The governor called for urgent, collaborative action between citizens and government to tackle worsening insecurity.
He stressed that protecting lives and property cannot be compromised and demanded periodic upgrades of security equipment, intelligence, training and expertise.
“What was regarded as a small conventional matter has transformed into a huge challenge. We must also evolve scientifically and technologically to meet the challenge before it overwhelms the nation,” Zulum declared.
He described Kogi as a strategic gateway between the North and South, insisting the state needs upgraded security architecture to guarantee safety, economic growth, and prosperity.
“We need intelligence-driven networks and systems to fight insecurity, because when Kogi suffers, the nation also suffers.”
Zulum promised to provide technical assistance to states grappling with insecurity and he also urged states to equip operatives with better tools — more operational vehicles, modern drones, and satellite systems, to monitor territory and preempt attacks decisively.
Meanwhile, suspected gunmen on Thursday night attacked Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, killing a traditional ruler, his wife, their child, and other residents.
It was reported that one person was also injured in the attack, which has thrown the community into mourning.
The victims were identified as Chief Momo Alexander Awodi, the traditional ruler of Olegabulu, his wife, Abigail Awodi, and their son, Boniface Ochowechi. Others reportedly killed include Mr Ochowechi Ochegwu and Mrs Deborah Ochowechi.
A source in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attack may not be linked to herdsmen as initially feared, but could be a communal clash.
“From what we are seeing, this does not look like a herdsman’s attack. Olegabulu is located between two communities, and there have been underlying tensions,” the source said.
The source further revealed that some unfamiliar individuals were seen moving through the village square shortly before the attack and were heard exchanging greetings in the Agatu dialect.
“Some people were seen passing through the village square and they greeted them in Agatu. That is why many are confused about what really happened,” the source added.
He noted that the community has enjoyed relative peace for a long time, with no record of such violent attacks in recent years.
“There has never been this kind of attack in Olegabulu for many years. The community has been peaceful, which makes this incident even more shocking,” he said.
The source also pointed out that Olegabulu is located close to the hometown of the current Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh.
When contacted, the Agatu LGA Chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, described the incident as tragic and devastating, calling for calm among residents.
“This is a very sad and devastating incident. I urge our people to remain calm and not take the law into their hands. Security agencies have been mobilised, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous act,” Ejeh said.
He assured that the local government, in collaboration with security agencies, is working to restore peace and prevent further escalation of violence in the area.
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