JUST IN: Gunmen Abduct Nasarawa Governor’s Aide, Osolafia

Tension has gripped Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, following the abduction of Dr. Muhammed Egye Osolafia, popularly known as Deedat, a senior aide to Governor Abdullahi Sule.

Osolafia, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian Services to the governor, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday night, September 20, 2025, after returning to his residence in the Tudun Amba area of Lafia.

Witnesses said the assailants stormed the community in a coordinated fashion, firing gunshots into the air to cause panic before forcing their way toward Osolafia’s home. Residents were thrown into confusion as the gunmen seized their target and whisked him away to an undisclosed location.

Confirming the incident, Mr. Peter Ahemba, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Sule on Public Affairs, described the development as “sad and unfortunate.” He said he received the news of Osolafia’s abduction from another colleague, noting that the attack is yet another reminder of the rising insecurity threatening both ordinary citizens and government officials in the state.

This latest incident comes barely two months after Barrister Yusuf Musa, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Culture, was similarly kidnapped from his residence in Ungwan Nungu, Lafia. The recurrence of such attacks within a short time has heightened fears among residents, who say the spate of abductions has become alarming.

Efforts to get an official reaction from the Nasarawa State Police Command have not yet been successful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, could not be immediately reached for comment at the time of filing this report.

The abduction has raised concerns about security lapses in Lafia and its environs, with calls for urgent action to protect both public officials and ordinary residents. Analysts note that the kidnapping of a top aide to the governor underscores the growing boldness of criminal groups operating in the North-Central region.

As of now, the kidnappers have made no contact with Osolafia’s family or the state government, and it remains unclear whether a ransom demand will be made. Security agencies are expected to launch a manhunt to rescue the governor’s aide and bring the perpetrators to justice.