Just In: Gunshots as Army, Others Battle Bandits in Kwara, Photos Emerge

• Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Friday, August 8, attacked Babanla community in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state
• The assailants targeted a police station, grocery shops, and a hotel, causing fear among residents
• Amid the security concern, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is said to be in constant touch with the security commanders and local vigilantes

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.

Babanla, Kwara state - The Kwara state government said it has established immediate security cordon around Babanla, a troubled community in Ifelodun local government area (LGA).

Legit.ng reports that the development follows a security breach on Friday, August 8, by some armed bandits in the northcentral state.

According to a statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, chief press secretary (CPS) to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, obtained by Legit.ng, the criminals on Friday, August 8, targeted a police station, attempted to loot a few grocery shops, and a hotel in the community before they were repelled by the security forces and courageous members of the community.

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The government commended the Nigerian Army, police personnel, and community members for 'the swift response to the situation'.

Governor AbdulRazaq directed sustained security lockdown of the axis to neutralise the threat and ensure public safety.

The Kwara government's statement reads:

“While further briefings are awaited, the governor reassures the public that concerted efforts are being made in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser, to cleanse the area of the criminals.

“He also urges maximum support and asks the people not to panic as security forces conduct their operations in the area.”

Images of the Nigerian Army patroling Babanla can be viewed below:

Rising insecurity in Kwara state

Legit.ng reports that concerned individuals condemned the series of abductions plaguing Kwara state, particularly Ifelodun LGA.

In June, a group of concerned residents issued a five-point demand aimed at addressing the rising wave of insecurity in the area.

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The group’s appeal includes the immediate deployment of fully armed security personnel to all identified hotspots and the establishment of a permanent joint security base within the local council.

In a statement titled 'Enough is Enough,' the citizens also urged the government to provide training, equipment, and institutional support for local vigilante groups and hunters to enhance their capacity to combat crime.

In recent years, criminal gangs in the northcentral region have taken to kidnapping people as a means to raise money.

In an attempt to curb the spiralling and lucrative kidnapping industry, a law was enacted in 2022 making it a crime to make ransom payments. It carries a jail sentence of at least 15 years, however no-one has ever been arrested on those charges.

It also made abduction punishable by death in cases where victims die.

But families often feel forced to pay to save their loved ones, citing the government's inability to ensure their safety.

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Just In: Tears as gunmen kill travellers in Kwara amid rising insecurity in state

Travellers killed in Kwara

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that two people were killed by gunmen in Ganmu village, close to Babanla.

Three other individuals were kidnapped by the assailants.

The attack occurred when the victims, who were travelling from Lagos state to Babanla, suffered a flat tyre near the community.

Source: Legit.ng