One injured, another killed as bandits invade Kwara communit

An unknown individual sustained injuries, while another was tragically killed, following a violent invasion by bandits in the Oreke-Okegbo community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, on Thursday. The attackers, reportedly clad in military uniforms, launched their assault around 7:00 p.m., sending shockwaves through the usually quiet community.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the bandits shot one person near the Awere River, while local leaders, including Kabiyesi Oloreke, made unsuccessful attempts to reach military support from Oro Ago. Confirming the grim event, Oba Joseph Sunday Afolabi, the traditional ruler of Oreke, disclosed, "One individual was shot and injured, while another lost their life."

Oba Afolabi further explained that the bandits, among them a woman, appeared to be targeting security guards stationed to protect Chinese nationals working in the area. Armed with guns, the invaders carried out their attack, but were temporarily halted at the Awere River, where they were unable to cross due to the high water levels. They only managed to flee the following morning. While they communicated in Hausa, Oba Afolabi speculated that the bandits might be foreign nationals from neighboring countries, rather than local herders.

In response, the Kwara State Police Command, through its spokesperson DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, confirmed that the police are aware of the incident and have launched an investigation to verify the details. "All security measures have been put in place to safeguard the lives and properties of Kwarans. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses," DSP Adeyemi stated.

This violent incursion has stirred concerns about the increasing insecurity plaguing rural communities in the state, highlighting the urgent need for improved local defense mechanisms to combat rising threats.