Ilorin, Kwara State — At least 12 people, including forest guards, vigilantes, and residents, have been killed in coordinated kwara bandit attacks on Oke-Ode and Tsaragi communities. The twin assaults, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, have thrown the state into mourning and raised new concerns about its security preparedness.
The simultaneous raids, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, targeted local defence volunteers who form part of Kwara’s community policing structure. Locals said distress calls were made to security agencies hours before the assaults, but help arrived too late.
Among those killed were community members identified as Oji, Saheed Metubi, and Baale Ògba Ayo. Four members of a family were also abducted during the attack.
Survivor’s Ordeal: “She Looked Drained and Broken”
Amid the devastation, the survival of Mrs. Akintayo Olaitan Ajoke offered a rare glimpse of hope. The Oke-Ode resident went missing during the chaos and was presumed dead after days of silence.
When she eventually reappeared, witnesses described her as weak, disoriented, and deeply traumatised.
“She looked drained and broken, like someone who had seen death and escaped,” said a neighbour.
Her home was razed, leaving her with nothing. Many residents remain in captivity, and several churches in the community were reportedly destroyed, sparking fears the attack may have had religious undertones.
Her story underscores the despair of villagers who live in constant fear, caught between recurring violence and official inaction.
Ignored Warnings, Rising Anger
Community leaders insist the tragedy could have been prevented.
“We alerted the authorities about strange movements the night before,” vigilante leader Mr. Ajetunmobi told reporters. “No one responded until it was too late.”
Disturbing footage shared online shows the bodies of slain guards lying along a dusty road, a grim reminder of the risks faced by under-equipped local defenders.
In nearby Tsaragi, gunmen also abducted a popular businessman, Suleiman “Manager” Ndana, after firing shots to disperse residents. The incident follows a string of similar attacks across Kwara, including kidnappings and killings in Omu-Aran and Lafiagi Emirate.
Security Under Strain
Despite initiatives like the Forest Guard Unit and Operation Harmony, rural communities in Kwara remain highly vulnerable. Security analysts say most local defence groups lack training, equipment, and intelligence support.
“These groups often serve as the first line of defence, and sadly, the first victims,” a security expert noted.
Government Response
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has condemned the attacks and directed security forces to intensify counter-operations. He said the Chief of Army Staff has ordered the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Ibadan, to temporarily relocate to Kwara to oversee the response.
“Our hearts are with the victims’ families,” the governor said. “We are committed to ending this menace once and for all.”
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Ministry of Health has suspended its medical outreach in Oke-Ode, moving operations to Omupo Cottage Hospital due to ongoing security concerns.
Calls for Action
The Oke-Ode Community Development Association, led by Ganiyu Ajala, urged authorities to move beyond condolences and deliver concrete results.
“We commend their concern, but sympathy is not enough. These bandits must be flushed out completely,” Ajala said.
Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the incidents, saying a comprehensive report will be released after ongoing field assessments.
