Terrorists have reportedly launched coordinated attacks on several communities in the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, leaving scores feared dead and residents in panic.
According to SaharaReporters, the heavily armed assailants invaded villages including Lata Woro, Gada, Kokodome, and Gbugbu via Lafiagi on Monday.
The attacks have left many locals, including vigilante members, either dead or severely injured.
One of the sources revealed that security operatives had earlier withdrawn from active operations in the area due to lack of adequate weapons and logistical support.
The source explained that the situation in parts of Kwara State has become extremely serious, with residents fleeing from various areas, including Gada and Gbugbu.
According to the source, some security agencies have withdrawn and returned to their bases, stating that the gunmen are better armed than they are. The source noted that no one is safe in the community.
Another source said, their only hope now is to stay indoors, perform ablution, and continue praying. The source also appealed to people outside the affected areas to continue praying for their safety.
According to reports, there had already been several casualties among local vigilante members.
The source further revealed that no vehicles or any form of transport can pass through the Gbugbu–Patigi road.
The source added that while some soldiers have returned to the area, others reported that the military complained the gunmen’s weapons are more sophisticated than theirs. The troops are currently awaiting reinforcements from Ilorin, the state capital.
The source said, “Please, the situation is not smiling. People are fleeing from various areas, including Gada and Gbugbu. Even some security agencies are withdrawing and returning home, saying the gunmen are better armed than they are. As it stands, no one is safe here.
“Our only hope now is to stay indoors, perform ablution, and continue praying.For those who are not near us, please keep praying for our safety.
“There have already been many casualties among local vigilante members.” According to the source, “No vehicles or any form of transport can pass through the Gbugbu–Patigi road.
“Some soldiers have returned, while others say the military complained that the gunmen’s weapons are more sophisticated than theirs. They are now waiting for reinforcements to arrive from Ilorin.”
Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, she declined calls made to her and did not respond to messages sent to her.
Earlier, the terrorists again struck in Kwara State, abducting at least three residents in two separate attacks in the last 12 hours.
The latest victims include a popular Point of Sale (POS) agent identified as Yman, who was kidnapped Sunday night in Lafiagi town, and two Hausa men who were taken in the early hours of Monday, June 30, 2025, during a violent raid on Kokodo village.
A third person, a young girl, narrowly escaped capture after fleeing into nearby bushes.
Community sources confirmed the incidents to SaharaReporters, describing a climate of worsening insecurity and helplessness in Kwara North.
“The attacks are becoming too rampant. The POS guy was kidnapped on Sunday evening, and now, this morning, the two other people, who are Hausa, were also kidnapped this Monday morning,” a source told SaharaReporters.
“As we speak, nobody has heard from the kidnappers. But the vigilantes and the security operatives have been briefed, and they are currently working to rescue them,“ the source added.
These developments come barely a day after SaharaReporters reported the news of the abduction of a prominent agro-chemical dealer, popularly known as Alhaji Chemical, in Lafiagi town.
