Panic has returned to Idofin Odo Ashe community in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State following a renewed attack by suspected bandits who stormed the area on Thursday evening, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee for safety.
Eyewitness accounts from local sources indicate that the attackers arrived in large numbers and began firing indiscriminately, creating chaos as villagers ran in different directions to escape being caught in the assault.
Residents described the situation as terrifying, saying entire families abandoned their homes as the armed group reportedly moved through the community, believed to be targeting victims for abduction.
This latest incident adds to a growing pattern of repeated attacks in the area, which locals say has left the community in a state of fear and disruption for months.
Community members also lamented that the ongoing insecurity has severely affected daily life, especially education, as schools in the area, including Government Secondary School Idofin and several primary schools, have remained closed for about five months due to safety concerns.
According to residents, the persistent attacks have made normal activities impossible, with many families already displaced and others preparing to leave if the situation continues.
The community had earlier staged protests over the worsening security situation, during which residents, including women and youths, called on authorities to urgently intervene and restore peace.
During those demonstrations, residents expressed frustration over what they described as prolonged neglect, warning that the community risks becoming completely deserted if urgent action is not taken.
