Armed bandits have attacked Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Council of Kwara State, killing four people and looting shops, hotels and homes. The assailants struck on a market day, stealing food items and commercial motorcycles, leaving the ancient town in fear and mourning.
Confirming the incident at a press conference yesterday, the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Adegboyega Yusuf Alabi, lamented that Babanla hosts the largest forest in the state, which has become a hideout for bandits.
Recalling the incident, he said: “On Friday, August 8, our dear Babanla was struck by a cruel attack. The bandits often use the forest as a shield from where they launch attacks on us.”
The monarch explained that Babanla shares borders with Patigi and Edu Local Councils as well as Kogi State, making it vulnerable.
“Bandits invaded our land, leaving sorrow and destruction behind. We lost four precious souls, many hardworking traders lost their goods, shops were looted, hotels were destroyed and countless youths who depend on their motorcycles for daily bread were stripped of their means of survival,” he regretted.
According to him, the attack has “cut deep into the fabric of the community.”
“Today, I speak with a heavy heart. As the Chief Security Officer of Babanla, I feel the pain of every family that has lost a loved one, every mother who now weeps, every father whose hope has been shaken, every youth whose hope has dashed, and every household now living in fear. Though our efforts have been tireless, I admit with regret that we have not yet been able to fully shield you from these evils, but I assure you peace will be restored,” he said.
The monarch commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq for his dedication to security, and appreciated the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins; Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo; Director of the Department of State Services in Kwara, Mikel Oganwu; and the Senior Special Assistant on Security, Muyideen A. Yusuf, “for their tireless efforts in restoring normalcy to our community.”
Meanwhile, bandits on Tuesday night killed a Fulani herder and rustled nearly 1,000 cattle in Bokungi, near Tsaragi in Edu Local Council of the state.
According to a Facebook post by Nupe Legit, the heavily armed attackers arrived at midnight and opened fire to disperse residents. The bandits reportedly killed a newlywed, Muhammadu, during the confusion, before proceeding to his father’s house, where they allegedly rustled his cattle.
“They came around 12 midnight, shooting as they moved. Alhaji Mumini’s eldest son was killed and they took nearly 1,000 cows,” a source was quoted as saying.
The attackers were said to have passed through Fengewa, where local vigilantes and Nigerian soldiers attempted to confront them. A brief exchange of gunfire was reported, but the outcome remained unclear.
