Bandits kill man, abduct wives of Fulani leader in Kwara

A new attack by suspected bandits happened in Lafiagi, the main town of Edu Local Government Area in Kwara State. This attack left one person dead and two women taken away.

The incident took place on Monday night in the Sodo/Sawmill area, just outside Lafiagi. Armed men reportedly invaded a Fulani settlement, aiming for a well-known Fulani leader in the area.

Residents said the attackers arrived at about 8 p.m., shooting randomly and creating fear among the people. The gunmen took the two women before escaping from the scene.

Sources in the community mentioned that the violence grew worse as the attackers fled. A male resident was sadly shot dead during this incident.

Security sources revealed that troops and other security personnel reacted to distress calls and faced the attackers. This response made the gunmen abandon part of their mission and retreat into nearby forests.

On Tuesday night, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, confirmed the event to Daily Trust. He said one man was killed and two wives of the Fulani leader were taken during the attack.

"Yes, one man was killed while two women, aged 25 and 35, who are wives of the Seriki Fulani, were abducted," the police commissioner stated.

He explained that the attackers seemed to have specifically gone after the Fulani leader, known as an Ardo, but they did not manage to capture him.

"The attackers targeted the Fulani leader, Ardo. Right now, we are still tracking them because by the time we arrived, the military had pushed them back into the forest, but we are on their trail," Adekimi added.

This latest attack raises more concerns about security in Edu and nearby local government areas in Kwara North. Communities have faced several attacks, kidnappings, and violent acts by armed groups in recent months.

Residents are calling for a stronger security presence, better surveillance, and ongoing operations against criminals hiding in the forests around the region.