Suspected bandits have attacked Lata Nna community in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing a woman, abducting at least one resident, and leaving several others feared dead.
Residents who spoke to SaharaReporters said the attackers stormed the community early on Sunday, firing repeatedly as frightened villagers fled into nearby bushes and surrounding areas for safety.
Many residents blamed the absence of security personnel, accusing authorities of failing to protect the community despite repeated appeals over the worsening security situation.
One resident simply said, “Lata Nna is under attack by bandits right now.”
The latest incident came just a day after another resident, Mohammed Abubakar Ndakpada Lata, was kidnapped while returning from his farm. His abductors have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for his release.
A resident said the gunmen killed several villagers, although the exact number of casualties is still unknown.
“Some people were killed at the back of the village. We are still searching the area, so we don’t know the full number of victims yet,” the resident said.
He confirmed that one Nupe woman was killed while gathering firewood behind the village.
“The woman was fetching firewood when the attackers found and killed her. Search efforts are still ongoing, so we cannot yet confirm if more people have been killed,” he added.
The resident said the attack happened unexpectedly and that there were no security officers in the community when the gunmen struck.
“I was in the village when I suddenly heard heavy gunfire. There was no security presence. The attackers were using sophisticated weapons, not locally made guns. Vigilantes later responded, but by then the woman had already been killed,” he said.
He described the latest assault as part of a growing wave of violence that has made life unbearable for residents.
According to him, kidnappings and attacks have become almost a daily occurrence.
Speaking about the recent abduction of his uncle, he said, “He was kidnapped while returning from his farm, which is less than two kilometres from the village. The kidnappers called yesterday and demanded ₦100 million.”
He added that his uncle remains in captivity.
The resident lamented that despite repeated requests for a military base in the area, the government has yet to take concrete action.
“We have appealed several times for the government to establish a military camp here, but they keep saying the process is ongoing. Meanwhile, people are being killed and kidnapped almost every day. We don’t know what else to do,” he said.
Residents said the continued attacks have left the community living in constant fear, with armed bandits operating freely while villagers remain exposed to repeated killings and kidnappings.
