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Bandits Launch Overnight Attack On Kwara Community, Abduct Several Residents
Bandits launched a violent overnight attack on Igbonla community in the Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting several residents in a coordinated raid that occurred late on Sunday, November 2.
According to a community source who requested anonymity, the gunmen invaded the area around midnight, firing shots into the air to create panic before seizing multiple villagers and escaping into nearby forests.
“The attack happened on Sunday night. We don’t yet know the exact number of people kidnapped, but several residents were taken away,” the source said.
The incident has left the community gripped by fear, with many residents fleeing to neighbouring villages for safety.
Security operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilante groups, have reportedly been deployed to comb the area, track the assailants, and rescue the abducted residents.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kwara State Police Command nor the Kwara State Government has issued an official statement regarding the attack.
The incident adds to rising concerns over worsening insecurity in Kwara South, where banditry and kidnappings have become increasingly frequent, particularly in rural settlements.
In a related development, motorists in Osi and nearby communities within the Ekiti Local Government Area of the state have accused police officers deployed for anti-banditry operations of extortion.
The officers, who were stationed along the Osi–Eruku highway with an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) meant for anti-banditry patrols, were allegedly demanding money from motorists.
“They are assigned to fight kidnappers, but they are here collecting money from motorists,” a driver lamented.
“There is no day the kidnappers do not kill people in this area. Obo-Aiyegunle is there, Eruku is there, you don’t go there to face the terrorists, but you are here in the city collecting money from people.”
The latest developments have sparked renewed outrage among residents, who are calling for stronger security measures and accountability from both state and federal authorities.