Five persons including police officers killed, many injured as gunmen attack Babanla community in Kwara

At least five persons including police officers have reportedly killed, following a fresh attack on Babanla community in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state.

The attack which occurred on Friday after also left many injured, causing a serious security threat in the community.

An eyewitnesses of the account said that the incident happened during a routine meeting of the community’s vigilante group.

According to the reports, the armed attackers reportedly targeted the local police station, attempted to loot grocery shops and a hotel, and fired indiscriminately, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

In a swift response, the Nigerian Army was said to have repelled the attackers and mounting a security cordon around the community.

A statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, while commending the army, police, and community vigilante members for their quick intervention, adding that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been in constant touch with security commanders and local vigilante leaders, and has ordered a sustained security lockdown of the area to neutralise the threat and protect residents.

The Informant247 reports that a civic coalition, Kwara Alternative, had earlier countered the report of the Kwara State Police Command of false information surrounding security situation in Ganmu and other rural communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The group’s reaction followed a statement by the police on Wednesday dismissing a viral video showing deserted homes in Ganmu as “misleading” and “capable of inciting unnecessary panic”.

In the footage, several buildings appear abandoned, prompting concerns over mass displacement due to insecurity.

But Kwara Alternative, in a counter statement on Thursday, claimed the video was recorded by police officers during an official security tour led by Elder Oyin Zubair, a local security coordinator in Kwara South.

“The man walking alongside police officers in the video is Elder Zubair,” the group said. “The footage was not staged or edited. It reflects the reality on the ground.”

Ganmu and several neighbouring communities — including Oreke, Oke-Ode, Shaare, Shagbe, and Babanla — have experienced an uptick in violence and abductions in recent months. On July 31, suspected bandits ambushed travellers near Ganmu, killing two and abducting three others. The victims were reportedly en route to Babanla from Lagos when they stopped due to a flat tyre.

In its response, the Police Command confirmed the attack but insisted the video misrepresented the current security situation.

“The Command categorically states that the information is misleading and aimed at creating unnecessary panic and fear among citizens,” the statement signed by spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi read.

The police noted that the armed presence seen in the video was part of a coordinated deployment of law enforcement agents to restore order and rescue abducted victims. It added that police, military, and vigilante teams had been stationed in the area under the directive of Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo.

Kwara Alternative, however, said the police response prioritised PR over public safety.

“It is unfortunate that after the killing of two citizens and the abduction of three others, the police are more focused on image management than justice,” the group said.

The coalition warned that denying the security challenges faced by rural communities could embolden criminal groups and further erode public trust.

“Security is not theatre,” it said. “The people deserve honest communication and real action.”

The group called on state and federal authorities to urgently intervene, noting that lives and livelihoods across Kwara South and North are under threat.