What's Happened in Kwara State
1. Mass Exodus from Ndanaku
In Ndanaku, a community in Patigi LGA, residents have fled en masse after sustained violent raids by bandits over approximately two weeks. With homes, shops, streets, and farmlands abandoned, the once-bustling settlement now appears eerily deserted.
2. Ransom Demand of ₦100 Million
Kidnappers are holding three villagers and demanding a staggering ₦100 million for their release. Local leaders have urgently appealed to both the Kwara State Government and federal authorities for swift intervention.
3. Escalating Attacks and Spread of Fear
Similar violent incidents have occurred in other areas of Kwara State:
In Babanla and surrounding communities (Ifelodun LGA), around 3,000 residents fled after over 200 armed assailants attacked, killed five people (including a policeman), burnt property, and attacked a police station. This triggered a federal response involving fighter jet deployments and reinforcements from police and military forces.
Multiple communities in Kwara South—including Sabe, Ologomo, Alabe, and Babanla—have witnessed fresh attacks, forcing families to evacuate ancestral homes. Videos capturing frantic scenes at garages show displaced residents trying to escape with possessions and children in tow.
4. Rural Decline & Livelihood Loss
Bandits have expanded beyond abductions, also engaging in livestock rustling, theft of goods, and destruction of both harvested and unharvested farmlands—devastating agriculture-based livelihoods. The mass displacement now threatens food security, economic stability, and cultural roots in rural Kwara.
5. Calls for Protection and Security Gaps
Local leaders have appealed for prompt military deployment. While soldiers are reportedly willing to assist, bureaucratic delays and lack of directives have hindered quick action.