Suspected bandits have killed a resident and abducted two women during a late-night attack on a Fulani settlement in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, further heightening concerns over the growing insecurity in parts of the state’s northern region.
The attack occurred on Monday night in the Sodo/Sawmill area on the outskirts of Lafiagi, when armed men reportedly invaded the settlement at about 8 p.m., firing sporadically and causing panic among residents.
According to local sources, the assailants were believed to be targeting a prominent Fulani leader, popularly known as an Ardo. However, after failing to locate him during the raid, the gunmen allegedly abducted two of his wives, aged 25 and 35, before fleeing into a nearby forest.
A resident was also reportedly shot dead during the attack, adding to the growing casualty toll from recurring incidents of violence in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the sound of gunfire sent residents scrambling for safety as the attackers moved through the settlement. Distress calls were subsequently placed to security agencies, prompting a swift response from security operatives.
Sources disclosed that troops deployed to the area engaged the fleeing attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat deeper into the surrounding forest. However, the abducted women were reportedly taken away by the assailants during the escape.
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Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, said preliminary investigations indicated that the attackers had specifically targeted the Fulani leader.
“Yes, one man was killed while two women, who are wives of the Seriki Fulani, were abducted. Preliminary findings indicate the attackers had targeted the Fulani leader but did not succeed,” the police commissioner stated.
The latest attack has renewed fears among residents of Edu and neighbouring local government areas, where communities have repeatedly complained about the activities of armed criminal groups operating across forests and remote settlements in the Kwara North axis.
Community leaders and residents have continued to call on security agencies to intensify surveillance and clearance operations in vulnerable areas, warning that repeated attacks are disrupting economic activities and forcing many villagers to live in fear.
Security authorities said efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted women and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Troops and other security personnel have reportedly extended search-and-comb operations into surrounding forests as part of efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.
The incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing parts of Kwara North and neighbouring communities, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the region.