Bandits invade Kwara communities, abduct residents, kill one

By Mosunmola Ayobami

Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Thursday night attacked Gaa-Alla and Gaa Oke Abba communities in Isin Local Government Area, as well as Famole community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, leaving residents in panic and uncertainty.

The coordinated attacks were reportedly carried out simultaneously at about 10:00 p.m. across the affected communities, with residents saying the assailants operated with little resistance.

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident, saying two persons were abducted in Gaa-Alla community while security operatives have launched a manhunt for the attackers.

According to him, police operatives are working in collaboration with the military and forest guards to track down the assailants and rescue the victims.

However, community sources claimed that the attacks were more extensive, alleging that several residents were abducted and one person was killed during a gun battle in Famole community.

One source said at least two persons were taken away by the attackers in Gaa-Alla, while the exact number of abductees in Gaa-Oke Abba remained unclear at the time of filing this report.

“The number of people kidnapped in Gaa-Oke Abba is still being ascertained as efforts are ongoing to determine the full extent of the attack,” the source said.

Famole community, located along the Share-Okeode Road near the Oyi River in Oke-Ode Ward II of Ifelodun Local Government Area, was said to have experienced the most violent confrontation, which reportedly resulted in the death of one resident during an exchange of gunfire with the attackers.