Some residents of communities under Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara state have reportedly fled after armed bandits on Tuesday raided the said communities. The attack led to death of a pregnant woman and others.
Residents said eight people were abducted and many left injured during the coordinated attacks.
The assailants, who stormed Motokun and Egboro communities in large numbers on motorcycles, shot indiscriminately and forced villagers to flee.
Vigilante commander Gina Gana explained that the incident followed a clash a day earlier between troops and the bandits, during which dozens of cattle were rustled. He added that at least four of the attackers sustained serious injuries.
Witnesses said the attackers operated for hours without immediate intervention from security forces. Apart from Motokun and Egboro, Fanagun village in Tsaragi Emirate was also hit, with three Fulani men and their cattle abducted.
Hon James Ibrahim, a local resident, recounted: “We woke up in the early hours of today to see people running from Motokun and its surroundings after kidnappers invaded the village. One woman who was shot later died at Patigi General Hospital.”
“About eight people were taken away, and several others were injured. The attackers also went away with no fewer than 15 motorcycles. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid as these attacks are becoming increasingly rampant.”
Another community leader, Mallam Mohammed, confirmed that about eight people were kidnapped. “The kidnappers first struck in Motokun, then moved to Egboro. Most of the villagers have fled towards Patigi. The situation is complicated because many Fulani families have intermarried with locals, making it difficult to identify informants.”
“Some of the kidnapped victims are wealthy individuals whom they know can be extorted. Where they met resistance, they fired. One cleric from Patigi who often visited the village to preach was shot dead and mutilated. It was a terrible scene that unfolded between 6 and 7 a.m.,” he said.
He further noted that bandit attacks have become almost a weekly occurrence in Patigi, targeting villages such as Lata, Ndanaku, Takarfu, Motokun, Egboro, and Lele.
“The soldiers and vigilantes are trying, but most times the attacks happen before they can get to the scene. Residents have now resorted to prayers following a meeting held three days ago, while we appeal to the government to intensify efforts and send reinforcements to rescue the situation,” he added.
Confirming the attack, Chairman of Patigi Local Government Hon Ahmed Rufai Adam said: “Yes, I am in a very serious meeting on the issue as we speak. I will get back to you.”
