Gunmen unleashed a wave of terror on Sunday in Ilesha Baruba (Baruten Local Government Area) and Kemanji (Kaiama Local Government Area) of Kwara State, killing seven people, including a vigilante member, and leaving the region in a state of shock.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attacks in a statement released by Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Monday. According to the statement, police operations have intensified in the affected areas, and an informant linked to the bandits was arrested, aiding in the investigation.
At around 9:30 PM on Sunday, a group of ten armed assailants stormed Ilesha Baruba Motor Park and indiscriminately opened fire at civilians gathered in a nearby relaxation spot. Tragically, six victims—Alhaji Ja’awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu, and three others—were killed, while two others suffered serious gunshot injuries. The deceased have been taken to the Ilesha Baruba Morgue for autopsy, and the injured are receiving medical treatment.
Earlier that same day, at about 11:30 AM, a vigilante group on routine forest patrol encountered suspected bandits near the Kainji National Park in Kemanji. A gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of three suspected bandits. However, one vigilante member, Yusuf Samba, was shot during the confrontation and later died from his injuries.
The police statement further revealed the arrest of an informant who confessed to collaborating with the bandits. This individual has been deemed crucial in advancing the investigation.
In response to the growing threat, the Kwara State Police Command has assured residents of both Ilesha Baruba and Kemanji that comprehensive security measures are in place. These include tactical deployments, enhanced surveillance, and intelligence-led operations designed to restore peace and stability. Authorities have called on citizens to cooperate fully with law enforcement, warning that anyone found aiding or abetting crime will face severe legal consequences.
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, accompanied by senior military and intelligence officers, conducted a joint security assessment tour of Kaiama Local Government Area on Monday. The delegation, which included Major General O.G. Onubugu of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Brigadier General E.B. Barkins, and other top officials, met with the Emir of Kaiama, Alh. Muazu Shehu Omar, and other key stakeholders to discuss security issues in the region, particularly around Kemanji, Karoji, and the Kainji National Park area.
Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized the need for continued inter-agency collaboration and a heightened security presence in the affected areas. Following the meeting, the delegation inspected a local oil mill facility before returning to Ilorin, with the area remaining calm under a robust security presence.
The Kwara State Government has promised to continue working with federal and state security agencies to ensure that such attacks are prevented in the future and that justice is served for the victims of the horrific events.
