From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Residents of Oro-Ago community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been thrown into mourning and fear following a deadly attack by suspected bandits that claimed two lives and left several others injured, including a local security chief.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday evening, targeted the hometown of the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, sparking outrage among residents who accused authorities of failing to respond swiftly to the growing insecurity in the area.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the gunmen stormed the community in large numbers, moving from house to house while shooting sporadically and breaking into homes. Sources said the attackers also attempted to extend their operation to a nearby police station, although details of that aspect remain sketchy.
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A key figure in the community’s vigilante structure, the Olu-òde, was shot in the arm during the attack and is currently receiving medical attention.
Residents who spoke amid visible fear described the invasion as coordinated and prolonged, alleging that the attackers operated for hours without any form of resistance.
One resident who narrowly escaped death, said the situation has become dire and called for urgent intervention. “We are calling on all Oro-Ago indigenes, both at home and abroad. War has started in Oro-Ago. It was only God that saved me; I would have been a victim,” the resident lamented.
Another community member appealed directly to the government for urgent deployment of security personnel. “The terrorists have killed people in Oro-Ago. We are begging the government to bring soldiers. This is not a small matter. They broke our doors and entered houses one after the other,” he said.
Frustration among residents has also been directed at the deputy governor, with many urging him to act decisively to protect his community. “We are calling on the deputy governor not to sleep. Your hometown is being destroyed while you are in Ilorin. Help us,” another resident pleaded.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in Kwara South, with locals claiming that several neighbouring communities such as Ahun, Oke-Oyan, Ago-Olomo, Ajegunle and Oke-Daba have already been deserted due to repeated attacks.
The development comes despite earlier security alerts warning of possible coordinated attacks across Ifelodun, Irepodun and Isin local government areas. Intelligence reports had indicated that suspected armed groups were planning simultaneous assaults on communities within the axis on March 23 and March 28.
In a statement issued last week, Elder Oyin-Zubair disclosed that security agencies, including the Kwara State Police Command and local government authorities, had been notified of the looming threat.
“In view of the speculative bandits attacks on March 23, 2026 and March 28, authorities including the Kwara State Police Command, chairmen of Ifelodun, Irepodun and Isin LGAs, and other security agencies have been notified and are taking necessary precautions to protect citizens,” the statement read.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and support security efforts by reporting suspicious movements. “Your safety is our priority. Let’s work together to keep our communities safe,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Government and security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the Oro-Ago attack, leaving residents grappling with fear and uncertainty amid rising casualties.
