From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Suspected bandits recently invaded Ahun community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting a woman and her two children during a violent attack that left residents in panic.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9 p.m. when the armed men stormed the community, shooting sporadically into the air to scare residents and prevent resistance.
Community sources said the abducted woman is married to the son of the driver to the traditional ruler of Oro-Ago, popularly known as Baba Segun. In the course of the attack, the victim’s mother-in-law, identified as Mama Segun, was allegedly macheted by the assailants while they were fleeing with the victims.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the gunmen operated in the village for about 40 minutes before escaping with the abducted woman and her children to an unknown destination.
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A member of the local vigilante group, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attack created widespread fear in the community, with many residents considering leaving the village the following day due to safety concerns.
However, the traditional ruler of Oro-Ago reportedly appealed to residents not to abandon the community.
According to the vigilante source, the monarch urged villagers to remain calm, asking rhetorically, “If everyone leaves now, who will I rule over?”
The source further alleged that the monarch directed security operatives stationed in Oro-Ago to stop vehicles from conveying residents out of Ahun and neighbouring communities.
Meanwhile, a relative of Baba Segun based in Ilorin commended members of the community vigilante group for their swift response during the attack.
He said the family received a call around 9 p.m. informing them that bandits had invaded the community.
“The first thing I asked was about the safety of my aged mother in the village,” he said, adding that the prompt intervention of the vigilantes helped prevent greater damage.
An artisan in the area also recounted the frightening experience, noting that residents were caught unprepared by the sudden invasion.
“The attackers came at night when we least expected them. They were shooting everywhere and people were running in different directions,” he said.
“We thank God for the vigilantes who stood their ground. Without them, the bandits would have caused more destruction.”
Meanwhile, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Thursday met with members of the vigilante group and other stakeholders in Ifelodun Local Government Area to review the security situation in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, the outcome of the meeting had yet to be made public.
