Bloodshed in Kwara: Bandits Kill Resident, Abduct Fulani Leader’s Wives in Midnight Raid

Bloodshed in Kwara: Bandits Kill Resident, Abduct Fulani Leader’s Wives in Midnight Raid

Fear and tension have once again gripped residents of Lafiagi in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State following a deadly attack by suspected bandits that left one person dead and two women abducted.

The late-night assault, which occurred at a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of Lafiagi, has heightened concerns over the growing insecurity in Kwara North, where communities continue to battle recurring attacks by armed criminal groups.

According to local sources, the attackers stormed the settlement at about 8 p.m., firing sporadically into the air and causing widespread panic as residents fled in different directions to avoid being caught in the violence.

Witnesses said the gunmen appeared to have launched a targeted operation aimed at capturing a prominent Fulani leader, identified as the Ardo (Fulani community leader) of the area. However, after failing to locate him, the assailants reportedly turned their attention to members of his household.

During the attack, two women believed to be wives of the Fulani leader were forcibly taken away by the gunmen, who subsequently fled into nearby forests.

The situation turned even more tragic when one resident was shot and killed as the attackers retreated from the community. The victim's death has deepened fears among residents, many of whom say they now live under the constant threat of violent attacks.

Community members described the incident as terrifying, noting that families were forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere while the gunfire lasted.

Security agencies were alerted immediately after the attack, prompting a response from both military personnel and police operatives. Sources disclosed that troops engaged the fleeing attackers and succeeded in disrupting parts of their operation before the criminals escaped into the forest.

Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said security agencies had launched efforts to track down the perpetrators and rescue the kidnapped victims.

"Yes, one man was killed while two women, aged 25 and 35, who are wives of the Seriki Fulani, were abducted," the police commissioner stated.

Providing further details, Ojo explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the attackers specifically targeted the Fulani leader but were unable to apprehend him.

"The attackers targeted the Fulani leader, Ardo. For now, we are still on their trail because before we got there, the military had repelled them before they ran into the forest, but we are on their trail," he said.

The commissioner assured residents that security operatives remain committed to apprehending the suspects and securing the safe release of the abducted women.

The latest attack has once again drawn attention to the security challenges facing Edu Local Government Area and other parts of Kwara North. Residents have repeatedly appealed to both state and federal authorities to intensify military and police operations across forested areas believed to serve as hideouts for criminal gangs.

Community leaders warn that unless decisive action is taken, attacks, kidnappings, and killings may continue to threaten lives and economic activities in the region.

As security forces continue their manhunt, anxious families and residents remain hopeful that the abducted women will be rescued unharmed and that those responsible for the attack will be brought to justice.