Gunmen attack Kwara communities, residents flee as security agencies respond
Suspected gunmen stormed several communities in Kwara State late Thursday, sending residents fleeing and leaving homes deserted as security agencies moved to restore order.
Local sources said the attackers struck multiple settlements, shooting sporadically and causing panic before security personnel arrived. The exact number of casualties and those abducted had not been confirmed by authorities at the time of filing this report.
Residents said the gunmen moved quickly, firing into the air and forcing families to abandon their homes.
“We heard gunshots around 10 pm and everyone started running. People left their doors open and fled into nearby bushes,” a resident of one affected community told our correspondent.
The Kwara State Police Command said it had deployed tactical teams and patrol units to the area in coordination with other security agencies. A police spokesperson urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could aid investigations.
“We are on top of the situation. Our operatives are combing the forests and entry routes to prevent further attacks and rescue any abducted persons,” the spokesperson said.
Community leaders have called for increased security presence, especially at night, noting that isolated rural settlements remain vulnerable to armed attacks. They appealed to both state and federal authorities to deploy more personnel and intelligence resources to protect farming communities.
The attacks add to growing concerns over rural insecurity in parts of North-Central Nigeria, where banditry and kidnapping have displaced families and disrupted farming activities.
As of Friday morning, residents were beginning to return cautiously to their homes while security patrols continued in the area. Authorities said investigations were ongoing to ascertain the full scale of the incident and identify those responsible.
Security agencies have advised communities to avoid isolated movement at night, report suspicious persons immediately, and cooperate with local vigilante groups working alongside the police.
