Suspected bandits carried out coordinated attacks on several rural communities in Kwara State, abducting multiple residents, injuring others, and rustling cattle in incidents that have heightened fear among locals.
Drivetvnews gathered that the attacks occurred late Wednesday night in Iwo Odo-Ore, located in Isin Local Government Area, as well as Gaa-Idera and Gaa Dembo-Agunjin in Ifelodun Local Government Area. Security sources indicated that the assailants struck the communities almost simultaneously, suggesting careful planning and coordination.
In Iwo Odo-Ore, at least five people were reportedly kidnapped, including a prominent figure, Alhaji Yusuf Yunusa, along with four other residents. Yunusa is known in the area as a politician and the owner of a nursery and primary school, with educational establishments in both Oke-Onigbin and Lagos. He was said to have been preparing for a family religious event before the attack.
In Ifelodun Local Government Area, the attackers abducted six individuals in Gaa Dembo-Agunjin and two others in Gaa-Idera. Among those taken were individuals linked to a wedding scheduled to take place the following day, including the bride’s mother.
The assailants also opened fire during the raids, leaving at least two people injured. One victim reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the hand. In addition to the kidnappings, the attackers made away with livestock from the affected communities.
The incidents have further raised concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Kwara State, particularly in the southern region, where rural communities have increasingly become targets of armed groups.
