Kwara State was thrown into mourning on Sunday as heavily armed bandits launched coordinated attacks on two communities, killing no fewer than 15 persons, including newly recruited forest guards, vigilantes, and community leaders.
The incidents, which occurred in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, and Tsaragi in Edu Local Government Area, also left several residents abducted and many others injured.
Witnesses said that the gunmen first struck Oke-Ode in the early hours of Sunday, where they ambushed local security volunteers.
Among those killed were community leaders identified as Oji, Saheed Metubi, and Baale Ógba Ayo. The assailants also kidnapped four members of the same family before fleeing.
Disturbing videos circulating on social media showed the bodies of slain vigilantes being evacuated to a police station, while the injured were rushed to Share General Hospital.
A local vigilante leader, Ajetunmobi, blamed authorities for ignoring warnings.
“We heard since Saturday night that the bandits were moving around the community and sent alerts to security operatives. Unfortunately, they still attacked, starting with the duty post,” he said.
Just hours earlier, another set of gunmen invaded Tsaragi, Edu LGA, and abducted a businessman, Suleiman Ndana, popularly known as “Manager.”
Witnesses said the attackers stormed his home around midnight, firing gunshots before whisking him away. Ndana, who recently established a fuel station in Yana Kokonna, was believed to be their target.
The latest violence follows a string of abductions in Kwara. On Saturday, gunmen reportedly killed a driver and abducted four passengers in Omu Aran. Days before, a woman and a teenage girl were kidnapped in Lafiagi Emirate.
Reacting to the killings, the National President of Oke-Ode Community Development Association, Alhaji Ganiyu Ajala, condemned the attacks and urged government intervention.
“While commending the government on the measures already taken, we call for redoubled efforts to completely dislodge these undesirable elements from Oke-Ode and the entire state,” he said.
The state’s police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incidents but said full details would be released after receiving comprehensive reports from affected divisions.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the killings as “heartbreaking,” pledging stronger action.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims. Nothing can compensate for the bereaved, in spite of our efforts and investments in training forest guards. Our people are understandably concerned, and I share their grief,” he said in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
The governor disclosed that the Army Headquarters had directed the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Ibadan, to temporarily relocate to Kwara to coordinate operations against the bandits.
Meanwhile, the state Ministry of Health has shifted its planned medical outreach from Oke-Ode to Omupo Cottage Hospital due to the security situation. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, said the move was necessary to safeguard medical teams and residents.
The latest attacks add to the rising wave of insecurity in Kwara and the North-Central region, fueling calls for urgent and decisive security measures.
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