Over 3,000 Kwara residents flee villages after deadly bandit attacks

Over 3,000 residents of Kwara State fled their villages in Ifelodun Local Government Area after deadly bandit attacks left five people, including a police officer, dead. The attackers, believed to be members of the Mahmuda faction of the Boko Haram terrorist group, stormed Babanla on motorcycles, opening fire for nearly two hours.

Eyewitnesses reported the attackers looting the police headquarters, raiding the main market, and abducting residents before retreating into the forest. The affected villages, including Budo, Ganmu, and Eka, have been deserted as residents fear for their safety.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police confirmed the attack and stated that a swift response by security forces restored order. The government has initiated a security lockdown in the area and is working with federal agencies to address the situation.

Residents are calling for a military presence to prevent future attacks and restore peace to the region.