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Gunmen launched deadly attacks in Ilesha Baruba (Baruten Local Government Area) and Kemanji (Kaiama Local Government Area) of Kwara State on Sunday, leaving seven people dead, including a vigilante member.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incidents in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Monday. She noted that police had arrested an informant linked to a network of bandits and that tactical operations had been intensified in the affected areas.
According to the statement, the police are currently investigating two serious incidents that occurred on Sunday, April 21, 2025.
“At about 21:30 hours, suspected armed men, numbering 10, stormed the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park and opened fire indiscriminately at civilians gathered at a nearby relaxation spot.
“As a result, six persons—identified as Alhaji Ja’awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu, and three others—lost their lives, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries.
“The deceased have been deposited at the Ilesha Baruba Morgue for autopsy, while the injured are receiving treatment.”
The police assured that a full investigation has been launched and that comprehensive security measures are in place to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a related development earlier the same day, at about 11:30 hours, a vigilante group on routine forest patrol encountered suspected bandits near the Kainji National Park in Kemanji.
Reports indicate that three of the suspected bandits were fatally wounded during the gun duel, while a vigilante member, Yusuf Samba, was shot and later died from his injuries.
“Our investigation culminated in the arrest of an informant, who admitted to collaborating with a group of bandits. This individual has proven to be a valuable asset in advancing the investigation,” the police statement added.
The command has assured residents of both communities that a comprehensive security architecture has been activated, including tactical deployments, enhanced surveillance, and intelligence-led operations aimed at restoring peace.
“Citizens are urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Let it be made categorically clear that anyone aiding or abetting crime in any part of the state will face the full weight of the law.”
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, accompanied by top military and intelligence officers, conducted a joint security assessment in Kaiama Local Government Area on Monday.
“In a bid to reinforce inter-agency synergy and enhance situational awareness across border communities, on Monday, April 21, 2025, a high-powered joint security delegation led by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, conducted an operational assessment tour to Kaiama Local Government Area.
“Accompanying the Governor is the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General O.G. Onubugu; the Brigade Commander, Sobi Cantonment, Brigadier General E.B. Barkins; the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo, psc mnips; the Director of the Department of State Services, Mr. Michael Aganwu; and Alh. Aliyu Muyideen, the Senior Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor.
“The team held a strategic security interface with the Emir of Kaiama, Alh. Muazu Shehu Omar (Bagidi ki Yaru IV), and other critical stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Bata; the LGA Chairman of Kaiama, Alh. Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi; the LGA Chairman of Baruten, Alh. Issa Jubril; State Assembly members, and District Heads.
“Deliberations focused on the security architecture within Kemanji, Karoji, and the Kainji National Park axis. The visit was concluded with an inspection of the local oil mill facility before the delegation returned safely to Ilorin. The area remains calm, with a robust security presence maintained”, the statement added.
