Fresh bandits strike leaves one killed, others kidnapped

Suspected bandits have killed a man and abducted two women in a fresh attack on a Fulani settlement in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The incident occurred on Monday night in the Sodo/Sawmill area, on the outskirts of the town. Residents said gunmen stormed the settlement around 8 p.m., firing sporadically and causing panic.

Sources indicated that the attackers were targeting a prominent Fulani leader, known as an Ardo, but were unable to locate him. They reportedly abducted two of his wives, aged 25 and 35, before fleeing into a nearby forest. A resident was also shot dead during the raid.

Security operatives responded after distress calls, with troops engaging the attackers and forcing them to retreat.

Confirming the incident on Tuesday, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said:

“Yes, one man was killed while two women, who are wives of the Seriki Fulani, were abducted. Preliminary findings indicate the attackers had targeted the Fulani leader but did not succeed.”

The attack has raised serious concerns about insecurity in Edu and neighboring local government areas, where residents have repeatedly called for intensified operations against criminal groups operating along the Kwara North axis.

Authorities say the pursuit of the bandits is ongoing, as they continue to track them into surrounding forests.