Suspected bandits have launched coordinated attacks on three rural communities in Kwara State, abducting several residents, injuring others and rustling cattle.
The attacks reportedly occurred late Wednesday night across Isin and Ifelodun local government areas.
Sources who spoke with Sahara Reporters said the assailants struck Iwo Odo-Ore in Isin LGA, as well as Gaa-Idera and Gaa Dembo-Agunjin in Ifelodun LGA, almost at the same time.
Security sources described the attacks as highly coordinated.
“In Gaa-Odera, they shot at two people and kidnapped two people,” one source said.
The attack was said to be most severe in Iwo Odo-Ore, where at least five residents were abducted.
Among those kidnapped was a prominent figure, Alhaji Yusuf Yunusa, alongside four other residents.
“Alhaji Yusuf is a well-known politician in that axis and the proprietor of a nursery and primary school located at Oke-Onigbin and also in Lagos State,” a source disclosed.
He was reportedly preparing for a family event before the attack.
“Alhaji Yusuf had already planned an Islamic graduation ceremony ‘Walimoh’ for his child in Lagos on Saturday,” the source added.
Wedding Disrupted, More Victims Taken
In Ifelodun LGA, the bandits reportedly abducted six persons in Gaa Dembo-Agunjin and two others in Gaa-Idera.
“Gaa-Agunjin, six people were kidnapped, and in Gaa-Idera, two persons were kidnapped while they were planning a wedding scheduled for today (Thursday),” another source said.
The attackers were said to have targeted individuals connected to the ceremony.
“They kidnapped the bride’s mother and one other person, and also rustled cattle during the attack,” the source added.
During the attacks, gunmen opened fire on residents, leaving at least two people injured.
“The bandits shot at two people; a bullet hit one person in the hand,” a source confirmed.