Kwara: Bandits Abduct Seven Residents In Fresh Attack, Despite Terrorist Group Leader's Arrest
- In a fresh attack in the northern part of Kwara State, bandits abducted several residents of the statedespite the recent arrest of a dreaded terrorist leader, Mahmud Mohammed Usman
- Suspected bandits killed a prominent community member in Lade, Patigi LGA, and abducted others in another major community in the state
- Residents are fleeing their homes due to repeated bandit attacks, while community leaders express fear and anger over the continued insecurity
Kwara State - Fear grips communities in Kwara North as terrorists unleash fresh assaults, killing and abducting residents despite the recent arrest of their notorious leader, Mahmud Mohammed Usman, popularly known as Abu Baraa, and his deputy, Mallam Mamuda.
Source: Twitter
Legit.ng gathered that the fresh attack happened on Saturday and Sunday, August 17 and 18, as residents in Patigi and Ifelodun Local Government Area narrated how the bandits killed and abducted community members.
The Nigerian Government announced the capture of the terrorist kingpins, raising hopes among residents of Kwara and Niger States that the wave of violent attacks would subside.
However, the reverse appears to be the case, as assailants believed to be remnants of the same network are intensifying their operations.
Resident Killed After Night Prayer
Confirming one of the latest incidents to Legit.ng, a resident, Mr Taoheed, narrated how suspected bandits stormed Lade community in Patigi Local Government Area, killing a prominent member of the community.
He said, “A man identified as Alhaji Gomina was shot and killed by suspected bandits in the Lade community of Patigi Local Government Area on Sunday night.
"The tragic incident occurred shortly after he had completed his Isha prayer. He was reportedly on his way home when he was attacked and killed.”
The killing of Alhaji Gomina deepened fear and anger in the community, which has been under frequent attacks in recent months.
Residents Flee Amid Continuous Terror Attacks
In another attack, bandits invaded the Oreke community in Ifelodun Local Government on Saturday evening around 7:30 pm.
Community sources told Legit.ng that the attackers shot sporadically for about 30 minutes before whisking away two people from the palace of Oloreke.
The fear of repeated raids forced dozens of residents to flee Oreke and the surrounding villages on Sunday, August 17.
A video obtained by Legit.ng showed families hurriedly loading mattresses, cupboards, and other household items onto trucks as they relocated to Ilorin and other perceived safer areas.
One resident described the scene as a “community on the run,” saying, “People can no longer sleep with both eyes closed. The bandits come in the night and pick whoever they want. We are leaving before they come for us.”
Multiple Abductions Across Patigi
Confirming further incidents, Dr Sanusi Lafiagi, an Islamic scholar, disclosed that several communities were attacked in the early hours of Thursday, August 18.
He lamented, “Overnight, Wariku, Haruna Kata, and Lata Woro communities were attacked by bandits and five people were reportedly kidnapped.
"We are human beings and not chickens. A major security crisis is looming in the northern region of Kwara State, and the government seems to have either run out of ideas or is unperturbed!”
According to him, residents feel abandoned as kidnappings, killings, and the displacement of entire communities continue unabated.
Government engages community stakeholders
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government said Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq is engaging local stakeholders in Patigi Local Government to find lasting solutions to the crisis.
A statement issued after a recent stakeholders’ meeting revealed the effort to improve the welfare of the people.
The statement reads, “His Excellency Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, CON, has held a stakeholders’ meeting with leaders from across Patigi LGA.
"At the meeting, he briefed the leaders on different issues of governance in the axis, including improved access to water, electricity, improved safety, year-round agriculture, and the general well-being of the people.
"He detailed the efforts of the government to improve the welfare of the people, especially in the security sector.”
Source: Facebook
Bandits demand N200m security levy from Kwara residents
Legit.ng previously reported a new development amidst the security crisis in the Lile community in the Patigi area of Kwara State, terrorists have imposed a N200 million security levy, or the community risks more attacks. Legit.ng gathered that the request was sent to the community on June 25th.
What began as sporadic incidents of banditry across the north-central part of Nigeria has now transformed into a full-blown security crisis in Kwara State. From the dusty farms of Edu to the riverine plains of Patigi, the forest borders of Baruten, and the bustling student town of Malete, stories of terror, abductions, killings, and helplessness now dominate conversations in homes and the digital space.
Source: Legit.ng
Atanda Omobolaji (Kwara State Correspondent)
Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan (Editorial Assistant) Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan is a Legit.ng journalist with over a year of experience writing for Punch Newspaper. He received his BSc in Criminology and Security Studies from FUOYE. His background in media communications and criminology, with practical experience in research, interviewing, and digital media, allows him to craft compelling narratives that drive positive change. Fadehan is an Editorial Assistant on Politics/CA Desk at Legit.ng. He is committed to ethical journalism, leveraging his skills to create a meaningful impact. Reach him at abdul-hafeez.fadehan@corp.legit.ng or 070622666732.
