Thousands of residents have fled Babanla and several neighbouring communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State after heavily armed bandits attacked the area over the weekend.
The attacks left five people, including a police officer, dead.
The attackers, believed to be members of the Mahmuda terrorist group, a Boko Haram faction, stormed Babanla on motorcycles in their hundreds, opening fire for nearly two hours.
Eyewitnesses said they came from two different routes, overrunning the Divisional Police Headquarters, looting its armoury, and raiding the main market.
Shops were stripped of foodstuffs, drinks, drugs, and valuables, while traders and shoppers fled in panic. The invaders also abducted residents before retreating into the forest.
Those killed included a Miyetti Allah security commander, his deputy, two civilians, and Police Inspector Adejumo Wasiu. Some officers at the police station managed to escape by scaling the fence.
According to locals, more than 3,000 people from at least 15 communities—including Budo Idowu, Ganmu, Eka, Upper Eka, Lower Eka, Oloruntele, Baba Sango, Ayetoro, Ibudo Olosun, Apata Olosun, and Kudagbari — have now abandoned their homes.
Mrs AbdulRahman, a resident, said the attack had shattered the last sense of safety in the area: “The only place we thought was safe, which is Babanla, has now been attacked. We will relocate tomorrow because nobody wants to die. The government should come to our aid.”
Saad Fatimah, another resident, said fear now rules daily life: “We cannot sleep any longer. We need justice. Those bandits entered this town, destroyed many things, killed many people, and stole everything they could.”
Chief Imam of the community, Lawal Sarafadeen, recalled how the violence had escalated: “They come every day and kidnap people, collecting ransom. On Friday, which was market day, we started hearing gunshots. People ran for their lives. It was like a movie scene.”
The Eesinkin of Babanla, Ismailia Olamilekan Salami, said the bandits numbered about 300 and confirmed that many villages had been deserted.
“They broke into shops in the market, looted goods, and caused massive destruction. We thank the federal and state governments, the Miyetti Allah vigilantes, and the police for their response.”
Salami also disclosed that four fighter jets have been deployed to patrol the forests where the attackers are believed to be hiding, calling the move “a huge relief” for the community.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the attack, noting that a combined force of police, Nigerian Army personnel, vigilantes, and hunters repelled the invaders.
“Armed criminals in their hundreds… killed five people, including a police officer. A swift and coordinated response restored order and a manhunt for the perpetrators is ongoing.”
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has ordered a sustained security lockdown of the area in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser.
His Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the government had created an immediate security cordon and urged residents not to panic: “The Governor reassures the public that concerted efforts are being made to cleanse the area of the criminals.”
Despite the assurances, many villages now resemble ghost towns, with abandoned homes and markets left in the wake of fear. Community leaders are appealing for the establishment of a military barracks in the area to deter further attacks.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
