How Bandits Invaded Kwara Community During Jumua’h Prayer, Killed Policeman, 4 Residents

• Bandits numbering up to 200 attacked the Babanla community in Ifelodun LGA, Kwara state, during Friday’s Muslim Jumua’h prayers on Friday, August 8, killing at least five people
• The attackers, who also targeted a police station, shops, and a hotel, were met with resistance from security forces and vigilantes, but left the community in fear
• While calm returned by the next morning, many residents had fled, and the Kwara state government had imposed a security lockdown to neutralise the threat

Babanla, Kwara state - Details have emerged on how bandits killed at least five people, including a police officer, in Babanla community of the Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state on Friday, August 8, when they invaded the community during the Muslim Jumua’h prayer.

According to community sources who spoke to Legit.ng, the attackers, numbering up to 200, stormed the town without warning as residents prepared for the Friday congregational prayers.

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One community member, identified as Muftau, told Legit.ng that the bandits met stiff resistance from local vigilantes, police officers, and soldiers, but the firepower of the attackers left residents terrified.

“Anybody that wants to pass through Oke-Ode, Babanla, these communities are not secure as we speak,” Muftau said.

He added:

“The bandits that stormed our community were many, possibly up to 200. What I am advising my people and my family is to leave the town. That is the best solution. Everybody should run and protect their lives because security cannot be guaranteed.”

Kwara: Community caught off guard, says another resident

Another resident, simply identified as Shola for security reasons, said the sudden nature of the attack caught the community off guard.

“The incident happened just as Muslims were about to pray Jumua’h. The bandits stormed the community out of nowhere. Many people had to stay indoors throughout the day. At least five people were confirmed dead, including a police officer, and many others are injured.”

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By Saturday morning, August 9, calm had returned to the area, but tension remained high. Many residents have reportedly fled, while others are making arrangements to leave due to fear of further attacks.

“The community is relatively calm as I speak to you this morning (Saturday, August 9). But many of the residents have moved out. Some are planning to move too. Because there is still tension,” Shola added.

Security crisis: Kwara government takes action

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported how the Kwara state government said it had established an immediate security cordon around Babanla, a troubled community in Ifelodun local government area (LGA).

The development followed the security breach by some armed bandits in the north-central 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 a sustained security lockdown of the axis to neutralise the threat and ensure public safety.

The Kwara state 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.”

Gunmen kill travellers in Kwara amid rising insecurity

In another related development, two people were recently killed by gunmen in Ganmu village, close to Babanla in Ifelodun local government area (LGA) of Kwara state. Three other individuals were kidnapped by the assailants.

The attack occurred on Friday, August 1, when the victims, who were travelling from Lagos to Babanla, suffered a flat tyre near the community.

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While attempting to fix the tyre, they were ambushed by five terrorists who opened fire on them. The slain travellers were identified as Jimoh Audu from Ganmu and Alhaji Abdulrazak Ewenla, a native of Ajia village. The killing brought tears and sorrow to the deceased's families.

Source: Legit.ng