A newly-emerged terror group known as Mahmuda has launched a fresh attack on Duruma village (Karonji) in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, sparking tension and fear among residents.
The attack, which occurred on Friday evening, saw the militants arrive on motorcycles and begin shooting indiscriminately, sources confirmed.
During the attack, the terrorists reportedly set fire to a vehicle and several motorcycles belonging to the local vigilante group.
However, the vigilantes were able to repel the attack, killing two of the assailants in the process.
“This was what the Mahmuda boys did yesterday. They burnt our vigilantes’ vehicles, but they were pushed back. Two of them were killed,” a resident said.
The Mahmuda group, believed to be a splinter faction of Boko Haram, has in recent months intensified violent operations across rural communities in Kwara and parts of Niger State, particularly around the unguarded expanse of the Kainji Lake National Park.
The group reportedly operates in communities such as Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, and Yashikira in Kaiama and Baruten LGAs of Kwara, as well as Babana and Wawa districts in Borgu LGA of Niger State.
Last Wednesday, the same group allegedly killed over 15 persons in an attack on a vigilante unit in Kemanji.
Locals say the militants have established control over parts of the national park, imposing taxes on herders and farmers, enforcing Islamic rules, and settling disputes in place of state authorities.
Residents have raised concerns over the federal government’s silence and the failure of security agencies to dislodge the group despite its growing threat.
Efforts to reach security officials for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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