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Terrorists have reportedly killed one of more than 100 people abducted in Katsina State and allegedly sent the victim’s severed head to the Shadadi Emirate, according to a local source. The disturbing claim was reported on Friday by Katsina-based social media user Bakatsine, who said the victim was among scores of residents currently being held by armed bandits. In a post on X, Bakatsine alleged that the abducted victim was killed by his captors and that his severed head was subsequently delivered to the Shadadi Emirate. The post described the development as a further indication of the dangers facing the people still in captivity and expressed concern for families awaiting information about their relatives. The identity of the reported victim was not disclosed. The circumstances surrounding the alleged killing, including the victim’s identity, the location of the abduction and the circumstances under which the remains were allegedly delivered, could not be independently verified at the time of publication. The reported incident comes amid continuing security concerns across parts of Katsina State, where communities have experienced repeated attacks, abductions, killings and other forms of violence attributed to armed bandits. The latest claim has reportedly heightened anxiety among families whose relatives remain in captivity, with residents calling for urgent action to secure the release of those still being held. ### Zamfara Terrorists Reportedly Issue Seven-Day Ultimatum Meanwhile, terrorists operating in Zamfara State have reportedly invaded an open market in Talata Mafara Local Government Area and issued residents a seven-day ultimatum to provide **₦50 million, 50 cattle and 50 sheep**, according to a report by SaharaReporters. The terrorists allegedly warned that failure to meet the demands within the stipulated period would result in another attack on the community. Residents who spoke to SaharaReporters said the latest threat was linked to what they described as repeated attacks and inadequate security responses in the area. One resident reportedly said the armed groups had previously attacked communities, taken over farmlands and rustled livestock, while facing limited resistance from security agencies. Another resident said the attackers had become increasingly emboldened, allegedly returning to the community openly and making demands from residents they had previously targeted. Residents also expressed concern that the apparent lack of a decisive security response had encouraged the attackers to escalate their activities and issue threats directly to local communities. The latest reported ultimatum follows a deadly attack on communities in **Sauna Ward, Talata Mafara Local Government Area**, in July, during which terrorists reportedly killed **22 farmers** working on their farmlands. The reported developments in Katsina and Zamfara underscore the continuing security challenges confronting communities in north-western Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to carry out abductions, attacks, cattle rustling and other criminal activities. Authorities have yet to independently confirm the reported killing of the Katsina abductee or the alleged ransom ultimatum in Zamfara. Source: https://saharareporters.com/2026/09/12/terrorists-brutally-kill-abducted-victim-send-severed-head-katsina-emirate

The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered an alleged interstate child-stealing and trafficking network, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects in operations spanning Oyo, Ogun and Delta states. The development was disclosed by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, during a press briefing in Ibadan, according to Premium Times. The police said the investigation began following a petition but later uncovered what investigators described as a wider network allegedly involved in the stealing, movement, sale and concealment of children. According to the police, one of the breakthroughs came after the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during a masquerade festival in Oyo town on June 29. Investigators subsequently arrested a woman identified as Adejoke Popoola, who allegedly provided information that helped expose the wider network. The police alleged that Popoola admitted involvement in the disappearance of more than 15 children, reportedly taken from churches, parties and other public gatherings within and outside Oyo State. Investigators later traced an alleged accomplice, Janet Adekanbi, also known as Hosanna, to Mowe in Ogun State. Four children and two pregnant young women were reportedly rescued from her custody. Police said further investigation led detectives to Agbor, Delta State, where four additional children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued on September 2. Two more suspects were also arrested in connection with the investigation. Six Children Allegedly Died in Captivity The investigation also uncovered allegations that six children died while in the custody of suspected members of the network. Police said some suspects allegedly disclosed that the remains of the children were sold to suspected ritualists. Two additional suspects, including a herbalist, were arrested in connection with the allegation. The police identified the deceased children as Musharaf Lawal Tajudeen, 2; Greatness Adeagbo, 5; Sainat Amoo, 2; Taiwo Usman, 2; Daniel Solomon Olayinka, 7; and Miracle Olaniyi, 4. The command said investigations were continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged network, locate other missing children and establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths. The Commissioner urged parents and guardians whose children have gone missing to visit the command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, to help identify the rescued children and facilitate their reunification with their families. The police also advised parents to exercise caution when dealing with individuals who claim to be traditional or spiritual healers, particularly where such persons seek to separate children from their families or take them to undisclosed locations. The allegations against the arrested suspects remain subject to investigation and possible prosecution. They are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law. Source: Premium Times Nigeria — September 8, 2026. Editorial note: Details concerning the alleged trafficking network, the deaths of six children and the alleged involvement of suspects are based on statements attributed to the Oyo State Police Command and have not been independently verified by FACTFUL24.