Suspected bandits have killed a resident and abducted two women during a night attack on a Fulani settlement in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attack occurred on Monday evening in the Sodo/Sawmill area on the outskirts of the town, throwing the community into panic as gunmen reportedly fired several shots while invading the settlement.
Residents said the attackers were believed to have been searching for a prominent Fulani leader in the area but failed to locate him. Unable to find their target, the gunmen allegedly abducted two women identified as wives of the community leader before escaping.
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One resident was also killed during the assault.
Security operatives were said to have responded after receiving distress calls from residents. Troops reportedly engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat into a nearby forest.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed that one person lost his life while two women, aged 25 and 35, were kidnapped during the attack.
According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that the gunmen had specifically targeted the Fulani leader, popularly known as the Ardo, but were unable to capture him.
Ojo added that security agencies have launched a manhunt for the attackers, noting that military personnel had initially confronted the criminals before they fled into the forest.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in Edu Local Government Area and other parts of Kwara North, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes. Local communities continue to urge authorities to intensify operations against criminal groups operating within the region.
