Kwara Community Cries Out Over Bandit Attacks, Demands Urgent Government Intervention

The Isanlu Isin Development Association in Kwara State has called on both the state and federal governments, as well as security agencies, to urgently intervene and rescue the community from the grip of armed bandits who have terrorised residents for nearly two months.

Vice-President of the association, Dr Jacob Ayanda, made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday, lamenting that the activities of the armed groups in the area had gone largely unchecked despite repeated attacks.

InfoStride News reports that last Tuesday, gunmen invaded the Eleyin community in a bloody assault that left two people dead, six others missing, and over 27 motorcycles belonging to local vigilantes set ablaze.

In protest, angry youths blocked the Ilorin–Omu Aran–Kabba highway on Saturday, demanding urgent action from authorities to curb the escalating violence.

Dr Ayanda recounted that intelligence reports had earlier warned of a possible invasion. He said two suspected spies were deployed, one of whom was apprehended, while vigilantes from Isanlu Isin and neighbouring communities mobilised to defend the town.

“Tragically, the vigilantes walked into an ambush. Though they fought bravely and repelled the attackers, the bandits retaliated with devastating impact. Over 27 motorcycles belonging to our vigilantes were set ablaze, two of our gallant men were killed, while six remain missing,” he said.

He explained that the decision to block the highway was born out of desperation, aimed at drawing attention to the community’s plight.

“In sheer desperation, we blocked the Ilorin–Lokoja road, not out of lawlessness, but to let the world see our plight and the gross insensitivity of those in authority who have abandoned us to our fate,” Ayanda stressed.

The association urged the federal and state governments, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies to:

• Conduct immediate search and rescue operations for the missing vigilantes.
• Clear the surrounding forests now occupied by armed bandits.
• Provide logistics and resources, including replacement of destroyed motorcycles, to support community defence.

“We raise our voices to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and all relevant security agencies: Come to the rescue of Isanlu Isin,” Ayanda pleaded.

Kwara Governor Promises Support

In his reaction, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, through his spokesman Rafiu Ajakaye, commended the courage of the vigilantes whose resistance led to the elimination of several bandits during the attack.

“The community’s action against the criminals is consistent with their rights to live without fear or intimidation at all times,” the governor stated.

He assured residents of government’s continuous support in the fight against insecurity, pledging to strengthen logistics for security forces and vigilantes across the state.

While condoling the family of a slain vigilante, Saheed Adeshina, Governor Abdulrazaq announced a financial support package of ₦10 million for his family.

He also promised that the state government would replace the motorcycles lost in the encounter.

“As we mount this bold resistance in moral courage against criminality, I urge that we do not further undermine our collective well-being, which violent protests may amount to,” the governor cautioned