Fresh wave of violence swept through Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday after bandits launched coordinated attacks on several villages, leaving a pregnant woman, a cleric, and others dead, with at least eight people abducted.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, who arrived in large numbers on motorcycles and armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed Motokun, Egboro, and Fanagun communities in the early hours, shooting indiscriminately. Panic-stricken villagers fled as the gunmen operated for hours without immediate intervention from security operatives.
A vigilante commander, Gina Gana, revealed that the assault was a reprisal attack following a confrontation the previous day between troops and the bandits, during which dozens of cattle were rustled. He added that at least four of the assailants sustained serious gunshot wounds in the earlier clash.
Among those killed was a pregnant woman who died at Patigi General Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds. A resident, Hon. James Ibrahim, said eight people were kidnapped while several others were injured during the rampage.
“The attackers also carted away no fewer than 15 motorcycles. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid as these attacks are becoming increasingly rampant,” Ibrahim lamented.
Another community leader, Mallam Mohammed, confirmed the abductions, adding that a cleric from Patigi, who frequently visited Motokun to preach, was shot dead and mutilated. He described the attack as “a terrible scene that unfolded between 6 and 7 a.m.”
Residents said the bandits also abducted three Fulani men and their cattle in Fanagun village, Tsaragi Emirate. Many villagers have since fled towards Patigi town for safety.
Mohammed further explained that identifying potential informants has become difficult as several Fulani families have intermarried with locals. He stressed that the bandits often target wealthy individuals for ransom, opening fire where they face resistance.
“These attacks have become an almost weekly occurrence in Patigi, affecting villages such as Lata, Ndanaku, Takarfu, Motokun, Egboro, and Lele,” he said.
Call for Government Action
While residents commended the efforts of soldiers and vigilantes, they complained that security operatives often arrive after the attackers have fled.
“Many communities have now resorted to prayers after a meeting held three days ago, but we appeal to government to intensify efforts and send reinforcements to rescue the situation,” Mohammed added.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Patigi Local Government, Hon. Ahmed Rufai Adam, said he was in a critical security meeting over the attacks. “Yes, I am in a very serious meeting on the issue as we speak. I will get back to you,” he told reporters.
The Bigger Picture
Banditry has continued to plague parts of northern and central Nigeria, with rural communities like Patigi bearing the brunt. The latest attack highlights the growing insecurity and the urgent need for stronger intervention to protect lives and restore peace in Kwara State.
