A video has shown police officers sent to Owa-Onire in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State finding the town completely empty. This follows ongoing attacks by armed groups and kidnappers.
In the video shared by NPO Reports, police officers are seen walking around the town with no residents in sight. One officer expressed shock about how deserted the area has become.
"All residents have left. There is nobody here again except goats," the officer said.
He added, "This is my first time seeing a town abandoned by residents."
The video highlights empty houses, closed shops, and the deserted palace of the king. Officers were sent as part of a security operation that includes police tactical units, the Mobile Police Force, and anti-kidnapping squads, operating in forested areas of Ifelodun, Isin, Oke-Ero, and Ekiti local government areas.
In another video shared on social media days earlier, security personnel found only one resident in the same community during a visit by senior police officers. Reports say they met a man named Lekan, but the latest video suggests he may have left too.
Community sources mentioned that the traditional ruler of Owa-Onire had been kidnapped.
Related attacks
There are increasing worries about security issues in Kwara South and Kwara North. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the traditional ruler of Oloruntele in Ifelodun Local Government Area spent almost two months in captivity after being abducted in April.
The report also mentioned that Salman Aweda, the traditional ruler of Olayinka community, was allegedly killed by kidnappers while community members were trying to secure his release.
On June 12, PREMIUM TIMES reported coordinated attacks on Gaa-Oke Abba and Gaa-Alla communities in Isin Local Government Area and Famole Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area. Many residents were kidnapped during these attacks, and one person was reported killed.
Earlier this month, a primary school teacher, Shina Adeoye, was kidnapped along the Obbo-Ile-Eruku Road in Ekiti Local Government Area. This raised more concerns about safety on major roads in the state.
Growing displacement concerns
Residents and community leaders have warned that insecurity is forcing people to leave their homes and farms in several rural areas. Local sources say many settlements in Ifelodun and nearby local government areas have been affected by kidnappings and attacks.
These worries have led to some actions from public officials. On May 25, Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), advised Kwara and Kogi residents to stop mountain-top prayer gatherings due to security risks in forested areas.
A few days later, the presidential aide also told travelers in the North-central region to avoid traveling at night and to stay alert, as attacks along major routes have been increasing.
Authorities yet to comment
As of now, the Kwara State Police Command has not released an official statement about the situation in Owa-Onire. Recent reports continue to raise concerns over security in parts of Kwara State, where residents are calling for ongoing security efforts so that displaced people can return to their homes.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇