Bandits order Kwara community to pay N200m levy or risk another attack
Following a recent bandit attack that claimed the lives of a prominent businessman and the ward leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abdullahi Kpotun, alongside his son, in Lile village, Patigi Local Government Area of the state, fear has again gripped the community after the bandits demanded N200 million or threatened another ferocious attack.
Sources in the community told The Informant247 that the bandits have threatened to unleash an attack on the community if the money is not paid.
“Another threat has been issued to our community Lile this morning via a phone call from the bandits requesting a levy of N200 million after the last deadly attack. They said failure to meet up today will fuel their return again. They contacted one of the sons of the man who was killed durimg the last attack through his father’s phone,” a local, who crave anonymity, said.
It would be recalled that an earlier attack which occurred Tuesday night, claimed the lives of the two persons, when the armed assailants stormed Kpotun’s residence and opened fire while trying to kidnap him and his son.
The latest attack has thrown the community into mourning, with residents of the community calling for urgent intervention from the state government and the security agencies to curb the increasing wave of insecurity in the region.
The incident marks another violent episode in the rising insecurity that has plagued parts of Kwara North in recent times.
The Informant247 had earlier reported that no fewer than three persons, including a kidnapped victim, a local vigilante, and a suspected kidnapper have lost their lives during a recent kidnapping incident in the Okuta community of Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State.
The shocking event occurred on the night of Sunday, June 22, 2025, around 10:00 p.m. when a group of heavily armed men invaded the home of Alhaji Dauda Ismaila, a respected businessman and farmer.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots as the attackers fired into the air before abducting Alhaji Dauda and fleeing into nearby foliage.
A local vigilante group quickly mobilized for a rescue operation after the gunfire sparked panic among residents.
According to an anonymous community leader, “During the fierce gun battle, one of the kidnappers was shot dead, but unfortunately, Alhaji Dauda was also killed in the crossfire, along with a member of the vigilante team.”
Security sources have stated that the deceased kidnapper is believed to be of Fulani origin, based on his appearance. Local authorities are actively pursuing the remaining kidnappers and have vowed to bring them to justice.
The loss of Alhaji Dauda has plunged the Okuta community into mourning. Renowned for his contributions to local farming and community development, he was known for his generosity and entrepreneurial spirit.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of kidnappings in Okuta and surrounding areas. Just weeks earlier, on May 31, a resident from the Shiya community was kidnapped and released only after a substantial ransom was paid. In February, another local figure, Alhaji Fatai Olowogbo, was attacked by suspected kidnappers and later succumbed to his injuries.
Residents report a growing frequency of such attacks, now occurring every three to four weeks, which has instilled fear throughout the community. Local leaders are calling on the Kwara State and Federal Governments to intervene urgently and provide additional security personnel to address this escalating crisis.
However, no official statement from the security agencies as at the time of filing this report.
