Hundreds of residents in Kwara South have fled their ancestral homes in droves following a surge in kidnapping incidents that has plunged the region into fear and uncertainty.
The worst-hit areas include Sabe, Ologomo, Alabe, and Babanla communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where suspected armed bandits have turned once peaceful villages into danger zones.
A video obtained by PLATFORM TIMES shows a distraught resident, Ganiyu Babatunde, appealing to the Kwara State Government for urgent intervention.
“Since morning, I have seen more than 10 vehicles packed with people leaving their communities.
At Oke-Ode garage, there is no vehicle left — even motorcycles and trucks are being used to carry people and their belongings. Our homes are being deserted. Please, Governor, come to our aid,” Babatunde lamented.
Eyewitnesses said panic-stricken families, including women and children, have besieged Oke-Ode garage with mattresses, cooking utensils, and other personal effects as they desperately search for transportation to safer towns.
Some residents warned that the desertion of ancestral homes could have long-term consequences, stressing that “if the rightful owners abandon these communities, strangers may take over our heritage.”
The mass exodus follows weeks of relentless bandit attacks across Kwara. On August 14, gunmen invaded Lataworo community in Edu Local Government Area, forcing villagers to flee in chaos.
Earlier on June 30, coordinated raids on Gada, Lataworo, and Kokodoko villages left several residents and vigilantes injured.
Only days ago, suspected terrorists stormed Gamalegi village in Lafiagi Emirate, abducting four residents during a late-night raid that eyewitnesses described as “hell on earth.”
The recurring incidents have raised fears that both Kwara North and South are gradually slipping under the control of bandits, with locals accusing security agencies of failing to protect them.
Speaking in anguish, another displaced villager said: “We are tired and helpless. May God help us through this. Our communities are no longer peaceful. People are leaving one after the other.”
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