Armed bandits launched a brutal assault on several villages within Patigi Local Government Area in Kwara State, resulting in the tragic death of a pregnant woman along with other victims.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers abducted eight individuals and left numerous others wounded during the violent incident that took place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
The assailants, arriving in large groups on motorcycles, targeted the Motokun and Egboro communities, indiscriminately firing their weapons and causing residents to flee in terror.
A local vigilante leader, Gina Gana, revealed that this attack was a retaliation following a clash between security forces and bandits the previous day, during which the criminals stole dozens of cattle in coordinated raids across multiple villages.
Gana added that at least four bandits sustained serious injuries during the confrontation with troops.
One community member described how the attackers, heavily armed and riding motorcycles, invaded the villages, firing continuously and overwhelming the residents.
Further reports confirmed that Fanagun village in the Tsaragi Emirate was also targeted, where three Fulani men and their livestock were kidnapped.
Residents lamented that the bandits operated unhindered for several hours, with no immediate response from security personnel.
Honorable James Ibrahim, a local resident, expressed the shock and fear gripping the communities.
“In the early morning, we witnessed people fleeing Motokun and nearby areas after kidnappers stormed the village,” he recounted. “A woman who was shot later succumbed to her injuries at Patigi General Hospital. Eight people were abducted, and many others were hurt.”
He also noted that the attackers made off with at least 15 motorcycles, urging the government to intervene as these violent incidents are becoming more frequent.
Another community elder, Mallam Mohammed, confirmed the abduction of eight individuals.
“The kidnappers first struck Motokun before moving on to Egboro. Most villagers have fled to Patigi for safety. The situation is complicated by the fact that many Fulani families have intermarried with locals, making it difficult to identify informants,” he explained.
“Some of those kidnapped are affluent residents targeted for ransom. Where they encountered resistance, they responded with gunfire.”
He added, “A preacher from Patigi who frequently visited the village was shot and mutilated. The horrific events unfolded between 6 and 7 a.m.”
Mohammed highlighted that such bandit attacks have become almost weekly occurrences in Patigi, affecting villages including Lata, Ndanaku, Takarfu, Motokun, Egboro, and Lele.
“Although soldiers and vigilantes are making efforts, the attacks often happen before they can arrive on the scene,” he said.
“Residents have resorted to prayers following a community meeting held three days ago, while appealing to the government to strengthen security measures and deploy reinforcements to restore peace.”
Confirming the incident, Honorable Ahmed Rufai Adam, Chairman of Patigi Local Government, stated during a phone interview that he was currently engaged in a critical security meeting regarding the situation.
“Yes, I am in a very important meeting about this issue right now. I will provide updates as soon as possible,” he said.
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