At least 12 people, including forest guards, vigilantes, and residents, have been killed in fresh bandit attacks across Kwara State.
The coordinated assaults struck Oke-Ode in Ifelodun LGA and Tsaragi in Edu LGA on Sunday morning.
Locals said the killings happened despite repeated early warnings to security operatives.
Many victims were among newly recruited forest guards under the state’s community security scheme launched in 2023.
Community sources reported that unconfirmed death tolls ranged from 12 to over 15. Prominent figures killed in Oke-Ode included Oji, Saheed Metubi, and Baale Ógba Ayo.
Witnesses also confirmed the abduction of at least four members of the same family.
“We had been alerting authorities since Saturday night,” vigilante leader Mr. Ajetunmobi said.
He accused security agencies of ignoring distress calls, adding that the attackers began by overrunning the duty post.
Mobile phone footage circulating online shows the bodies of slain guards laid along the roadside.
The video highlights the growing risks faced by rural communities forced to defend themselves in the absence of rapid military response.
Just hours earlier, gunmen stormed Tsaragi and abducted a local businessman, Suleiman “Manager” Ndana.
He had recently opened a fuel station near Yana Kokonna, fueling speculation he was a specific target.
The Kwara killings add to a rising wave of kidnappings in recent days. In Omu Aran, bandits killed a driver and dragged four passengers into the forest.
In Lafiagi Emirate, gunmen abducted Aisha Gogo and a 16-year-old girl, Amina, during a midnight raid.
Kwara, like many northern states, has invested in hunters, vigilantes, and forest guards to back overstretched police and military units.
But experts warn these groups often become the first casualties because they lack proper intelligence support and weapons.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the killings and confirmed he has sought immediate military reinforcement.
He said the Chief of Army Staff had ordered the GOC 2 Division in Ibadan to relocate temporarily to Kwara to coordinate operations.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims,” the governor said. “Nothing can compensate for the bereaved, in spite of our training efforts.”
The Oke-Ode Community Development Association urged authorities to move beyond condolences.
“We demand the complete dislodgement of these criminal elements,” leader Ganiyu Ajala said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has relocated its outreach programme from Oke-Ode to Omupo Cottage Hospital, citing security concerns.
Officials admitted the move shows that even social services can no longer operate safely in the affected areas.
Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the incidents.
She said a comprehensive report would be issued after divisional commanders complete field assessments.
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