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Bandits, on Tuesday, launched a deadly attack on some villages in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing a pregnant woman and others.
Residents said the attackers abducted eight people and left several others injured.
They said the bandits, who arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, stormed Motokun and Egboro communities, shooting sporadically and forcing villagers to flee in panic.
A vigilante commander, identified as Gina Gana, said that the Tuesday attack followed a confrontation the previous day between troops and the bandits during which dozens of cattle were rustled in coordinated strikes on multiple communities.
He said at least four of the assailants were seriously wounded in the shootout.
A resident recounted that the attackers invaded the affected communities, shooting continuously in large numbers on motorcycles, each armed with sophisticated weapons.
Sources confirmed that apart from Motokun and Egboro, Fanagun village in Tsaragi Emirate was also attacked, where three Fulani men and their cattle were abducted.
Residents said the attackers operated freely for hours without any immediate intervention from security operatives.
Hon James Ibrahim, a resident, said the situation left communities in shock.
“We woke up in the early hours of today to see people running from Motokun and its surroundings after kidnappers invaded the village.
“One woman who was shot later died at Patigi General Hospital. About eight people were taken away, and several others were injured.
“The attackers also went away with no fewer than 15 motorcycles. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid as these attacks are becoming increasingly rampant,” he said.
Another community leader, Mallam Mohammed, confirmed that about eight people were kidnapped.
“The kidnappers first struck in Motokun, then moved to Egboro. Most of the villagers have fled towards Patigi. The situation is complicated because many Fulani families have intermarried with locals, making it difficult to identify informants.
“Some of the kidnapped victims are wealthy individuals whom they know can be extorted. Where they met resistance, they fired.
“One cleric from Patigi who often visited the village to preach was shot dead and mutilated. It was a terrible scene that unfolded between 6 and 7 a.m.,” he narrated.
He added that bandit attacks have become an almost weekly occurrence in Patigi, affecting villages such as Lata, Ndanaku, Takarfu, Motokun, Egboro, and Lele.
“The soldiers and vigilantes are trying, but most times the attacks happen before they can get to the scene.
“Residents have now resorted to prayers following a meeting held three days ago, while we appeal to the government to intensify efforts and send reinforcements to rescue the situation,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Patigi Local Government, Hon Ahmed Rufai Adam, said that he was in a critical security meeting over the matter.
“Yes, I am in a very serious meeting on the issue as we speak. I will get back to you,” he said.
