Kwara State has been thrown into heightened tension following coordinated bandit attacks on villages in Edu Local Government Area — Gada, Lata Woro, and Kokodoko among others especially in Kwara North, which left several residents and local vigilantes injured.
The armed assailants, reportedly arriving in large numbers and wielding sophisticated weapons, launched the assaults , overrunning Gada village along the Lafiagi–Patigi highway before moving into surrounding communities. Eyewitnesses said the bandits fired sporadically upon arrival, forcing residents to flee in panic.
Local vigilantes who attempted to resist were quickly outnumbered and retreated to nearby Gbugbu community after sustaining serious injuries.
In Lade community, Patigi LGA, gunmen ambushed and killed a well-respected resident, Alhaji Gomina, shortly after evening prayers , plunging the town into mourning.
Security forces have since mobilised to reclaim affected communities, but growing displacement continues to alarm locals. Many residents of Patigi, Edu, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs have abandoned their ancestral homes, leaving behind farms and businesses. Videos obtained by reporters show families — including women and children — stranded at Oke-Ode garage with belongings, desperately seeking transport to safer areas.
Relief Efforts by Arc. Thomas Gana Tankpafu and Missionary Dr. Janet M. Cast
Amid the crisis, a compassionate initiative was launched by former Patigi Local Government Chairman, Arc. Thomas Gana Tankpafu, in collaboration with Missionary Dr. Janet M. Cast, who dispatched a delegation to support victims and grieving families.
Led by Mr. Abraham Tsadu Kolo, the team visited injured vigilantes undergoing treatment and extended condolences to families of the fallen. Financial assistance was provided to help offset medical expenses and sustain daily needs. Special attention was given to the widows of vigilantes who lost their lives in defence of their communities.
Mr. Kolo, speaking on behalf of Arc. Thomas and Dr. Cast, commended the resilience of vigilantes and locals who continue to safeguard their land under dire conditions.
Residents expressed profound gratitude for the gesture, describing it as a timely source of relief and encouragement. Many hailed Arc. Thomas’s outreach as not only humanitarian but also a morale booster at a time when fear and uncertainty dominate community life.
Call for Stronger Government Action
Community leaders in Lade and surrounding villages have renewed calls on the state and federal governments to urgently step up security interventions. They warn that without swift action, bandit incursions could lead to mass desertion of entire towns, loss of heritage, and worsening food insecurity as farmlands are abandoned.
For now, residents of Kwara North and South continue to live under the shadow of insecurity, clinging to hope that state authorities will match the courage of local defenders with decisive protection and sustainable relief.
Bandit Attacks Rock Kwara Communities as Former LG Chairman, Missionary Extend Relief to Victims
