Fresh bandits attack on Kwara community leaves one dead, other abducted
A fresh attack by bandits has left one person dead and another kidnapped at Bishewa settlement, Gbale community in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to reports, the attack was launched around 2:00 am on Thursday, where residents engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers were met with stiff resistance from local hunters and vigilantes who confronted them with superior firepower. The gunmen, reportedly overwhelmed, retreated toward Bishewa settlement.
“They killed Ndako, the elder brother, and took the younger one, Audu, away,” a source confirmed to the Guardian.
The renewed wave of attacks has heightened tension across Kwara’s riverine and forested communities, many of which have experienced repeated cases of abduction and killings in recent months.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has deployed a full brigade and heavy equipment to Kwara South and parts of Kwara North as part of ongoing efforts to flush out bandits from forest hideouts.
According to a statement signed by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, troops were seen advancing through Oke Ode and Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The operation, part of Operation Fasan Yanma, also covers Edu and Patigi councils, where soldiers are combing thick forests used by kidnappers for ransom operations.
