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.
