One killed, houses burnt as gunmen attack Kwara community
In a harrowing incident on Sunday, gunmen invaded the Karongi community in the Baruten local government area of Kwara State, resulting in the death of at least one person and significant property damage.
According to reports, the attackers launched their assault around 6 a.m., taking advantage of the local vigilantes’ absence during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The Emir of Yashikira Emirate, Alh Umoru Sariki, confirmed the invasion, stating, “They took advantage of the absence of vigilante men who have travelled for Sallah. They invaded the town for hours, from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.”
Community members noted that the gunmen burned multiple houses during the hours-long attack. It wasn’t until a coordinated response from soldiers and local vigilantes from nearby areas that the assailants were finally dislodged.
Emir Umoru appealed for government action, urging, “We have to go to the surrounding communities in the Emirate to mobilise local vigilante who succeeded to chase them away at about 11 o’clock. I appeal to the federal government and the military to establish a military base in Karongi or other communities near the area to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians living there.”
News of the attack was also confirmed by Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, the public relations officer of the 22 Brigade of the Nigerian Army at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin. He highlighted the involvement of the vigilante group, saying, “One of the vigilante men was killed while some makeshift houses were set ablaze by the gunmen.”
This incident raises urgent concerns about security in the region and the need for enhanced protective measures to prevent future attacks.
Source: LEADERSHIP
