By Adesakin Adefemi
Suspected bandits killed one resident and abducted two women during an attack on a Fulani settlement in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State. The assault occurred on Monday night in the Sodo/Sawmill area on the outskirts of the town.
Residents said the gunmen stormed the settlement at about 8 pm, shooting sporadically and causing panic among villagers. The attackers were believed to be targeting a prominent Fulani leader in the community but failed to locate him.
Sources said the gunmen subsequently abducted two women identified as wives of the Fulani leader before fleeing the area. A resident was also shot dead during the attack.
Security operatives reportedly responded after receiving distress calls, while troops engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat into a nearby forest. Pursuit operations were said to be ongoing.
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said one person was killed while two women were abducted. “Yes, one man was killed while two women, 25 and 35 years of age, who are wives of the Seriki Fulani, were abducted,” Ojo stated.
The police commissioner disclosed that preliminary findings indicated the attackers had targeted the Fulani leader, identified as an Ardo, but were unable to capture him. “The attackers targeted the Fulani leader, Ardo. And for now, we are still on their trail,” he said.
Ojo added that the military had repelled the attackers before they ran into the forest, but police operatives remained on their trail. He assured residents that efforts were being intensified to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in Edu and neighbouring local government areas. Residents have repeatedly called for intensified security operations against criminal groups operating in the Kwara North axis.
Community leaders in Lafiagi urged the government to deploy additional personnel and logistics to curb the activities of armed groups in the area. They said the safety of residents, especially in rural settlements, must be prioritized to prevent further attacks.
