Suspected bandits invaded a suburb of Igbaja in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting no fewer than seven residents and leaving the area gripped by fear.
The attack disrupted the calm and peace of the agrarian community as armed men reportedly the area in large numbers, firing sporadically and moving from house to house.
Confirming the incident on Saturday, a community leader in Igbaja and Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, said the assailants operated for several minutes before security forces could arrive.
“we received a report from Adanla-Irese, a suburb of Igbaja, that bandits had entered the community,” Oyin-Zubair told journalists.
“We immediately mobilised hunters and vigilantes from Igbaja to the area. We also alerted the Brigade Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, who directed his men around the axis to respond swiftly,” he said.
According to him, soldiers later arrived in two operational trucks to reinforce local security operatives. However, the attackers had already fled with their victims.
“Unfortunately, before their arrival, the bandits had already abducted eight persons and wounded a woman. They were shooting indiscriminately to scare the locals,” Oyin-Zubair added.
Residents said several people sustained injuries while trying to flee the attack, as many families abandoned their homes and took refuge in nearby bushes and neighbouring communities.
As of Saturday official confirmation from the police was still being awaited. When contacted, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she had yet to receive a detailed briefing on the incident.
“I am yet to be properly briefed about the incident. I got the information last night too, but as soon as I have details, I will get back to you,” she said.
Meanwhile, residents have called on the state and federal governments to step up security in rural communities across Kwara South to prevent further attacks.
