Suspected bandits have carried out fresh attacks on several communities in Kwara State, abducting a family of three during the day and kidnapping at least 15 other residents in overnight raids across Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The daytime incident reportedly occurred on Thursday in Olodan, a community within the Ora District, where armed men stormed the area and took away a man, his wife, and their child. The attack has intensified fear among residents, many of whom say security conditions in the area are worsening rapidly.
In separate incidents later that night, no fewer than 15 people were kidnapped in coordinated attacks on Kajola and Idi-Iya Fulani Camp, both located near Yaru in the Igbaja District of the same local government area.
Local sources said efforts to rescue the victims have so far been unsuccessful. A joint team made up of forest guards, local hunters, and vigilante groups from Ifelodun and neighbouring Isin Local Government Area reportedly searched surrounding forests throughout the day but did not locate the abductors or their captives.
The latest wave of kidnappings has renewed concerns about rising insecurity in parts of Kwara, particularly in the southern axis where residents have repeatedly complained about inadequate security presence.
Community members are now urging both the state government and federal security agencies to urgently strengthen security deployment and intelligence operations in the affected areas to prevent further attacks and secure the safe release of those abducted.
As of the time of this report, authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the incidents.
