Gunmen kill man, take two women in Kwara community

Suspected bandits have killed a man and taken two women during an attack on a Fulani settlement in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The attack happened on Monday night in the Sodo/Sawmill area on the outskirts of the town.

Residents said the gunmen arrived at about 8 pm, shooting wildly and causing panic among the villagers.

Sources say the attackers were looking for a well-known Fulani leader in the community but did not find him.

The gunmen took two women who are said to be the wives of the Fulani leader before escaping.

A resident was also shot dead during the attack.

Security officials reportedly moved in after receiving emergency calls. The military engaged the attackers and forced them to flee into a nearby forest.

On Tuesday, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident. He said one person was killed and two women were taken.

“Yes, one man was killed while two women, aged 25 and 35, who are wives of the Seriki Fulani, were abducted,” Ojo said.

The police commissioner explained that early reports showed the attackers were aiming for the Fulani leader, known as an Ardo, but could not catch him.

“The attackers targeted the Fulani leader, Ardo. For now, we are still pursuing them. Before we arrived, the military had pushed them back into the forest, but we are on their trail,” he stated.

The attack has raised fears about safety in Edu and nearby local government areas. Residents have often called for stronger security measures against criminal gangs in the Kwara North area.