Armed Gangs Kidnap Residents and Steal Cattle in Multiple Kwara Communities

Suspected bandits conducted synchronized raids across three communities within Kwara State late Wednesday night, resulting in numerous abductions, injuries, and livestock theft.

The affected areas include Iwo Odo-Ore in Isin Local Government Area, and Gaa-Idera and Gaa Dembo-Agunjin in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Security insiders noted that the simultaneous nature of the strikes points to careful preparation. At least five individuals were seized in Iwo Odo-Ore, including prominent school proprietor and politician, Alhaji Yusuf Yunusa. Reports indicate that Yusuf, who operates schools in Oke-Onigbin and Lagos, was abducted just days before a planned family celebration in Lagos.

The situation was similarly dire in the Ifelodun region. Six residents were captured in Gaa Dembo-Agunjin, while two others were taken in Gaa-Idera. The victims in Gaa-Idera included the mother of a bride preparing for a wedding scheduled for Thursday.

During these encounters, attackers fired weapons at locals, injuring at least two people, one of whom sustained a gunshot wound to the hand. These violent incidents have deepened fears regarding rising insecurity in southern Kwara.