Kwara Community Cries Out as Bandits Wreak Havoc, Two Killed and Six Missing

Isanlu Isin Development Association in Kwara State has called on the state and federal governments, as well as security agencies, to urgently rescue residents of the community who have been under siege by armed bandits for nearly two months.

Vice President of the association, Dr. Jacob Ayanda, in a statement on Saturday, described the relentless attacks, noting that bandits had struck again last Tuesday at the Eleyin community. The invasion left two people dead, six missing and over 27 motorcycles belonging to local vigilantes destroyed.

Ayanda explained that intelligence had alerted residents of a planned invasion days earlier, leading local vigilantes with support from neighbouring towns such as Omu-Aran, Oko and Ola to mobilise. However, they were ambushed. Although the vigilantes managed to repel the attackers, the bandits retaliated with heavy losses for the community.

“In sheer desperation, we blocked the Ilorin–Lokoja highway, not out of lawlessness but to draw attention to our plight and the insensitivity of those in authority who have abandoned us to our fate” Ayanda said. He appealed to the federal government, the police, the army, and all security agencies to launch immediate search and rescue operations for the missing men, restore security in the area and replace the destroyed resources of the vigilantes.

Reacting, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, through his spokesman Rafiu Ajakaye, commended the bravery of the vigilantes, noting that their resistance led to the elimination of several armed criminals. He assured that the government will continue to support local security efforts.

The governor also expressed condolences to the family of vigilante member Saheed Adeshina, who lost his life during the attack, and approved N10 million financial support for his family. He pledged that the government would replace the destroyed motorcycles and strengthen logistical backing for security agencies and vigilantes across the state.

While praising the courage of residents, Governor Abdulrazaq cautioned against violent protests, urging the community to resist criminality without undermining public peace.