Bandits launched a deadly attack on several villages in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday, killing a pregnant woman and others.

Residents said the attackers abducted eight people and left several others injured.

They reported that the bandits, who arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, stormed the Motokun and Egboro communities, firing sporadically and forcing villagers to flee in panic.

A vigilante commander, identified as Gina Gana, told Daily Trust that the Tuesday attack followed a confrontation the previous day between troops and the bandits, during which dozens of cattle were rustled in coordinated strikes on multiple communities.

He said at least four of the assailants were seriously wounded in the shootout.

A resident recounted that the attackers invaded the affected communities, shooting continuously in large numbers on motorcycles, each armed with sophisticated weapons.

Sources confirmed that apart from Motokun and Egboro, Fanagun village in Tsaragi Emirate was also attacked, where three Fulani men and their cattle were abducted.

Residents said the attackers operated freely for hours without any immediate intervention from security operatives.

Hon James Ibrahim, a resident, said the situation left communities in shock.

"We woke up in the early hours of today to see people running from Motokun and its surroundings after kidnappers invaded the village.

"One woman who was shot later died at Patigi General Hospital. About eight people were taken away, and several others were injured.

"The attackers also went away with no fewer than 15 motorcycles. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid as these attacks are becoming increasingly rampant," he said.

Another community leader, Mallam Mohammed, confirmed that about eight people were kidnapped.

"The kidnappers first struck in Motokun, then moved to Egboro. Most of the villagers have fled towards Patigi. The situation is complicated because many Fulani families have intermarried with locals, making it difficult to identify informants.

"Some of the kidnapped victims are wealthy individuals whom they know can be extorted. Where they met resistance, they fired.

"One cleric from Patigi who often visited the village to preach was shot dead and mutilated. It was a terrible scene that unfolded between 6 and 7 a.m.," he narrated.

He added that bandit attacks have become an almost weekly occurrence in Patigi, affecting villages such as Lata, Ndanaku, Takarfu, Motokun, Egboro, and Lele.

"The soldiers and vigilantes are trying, but most times the attacks happen before they can get to the scene.

"Residents have now resorted to prayers following a meeting held three days ago, while we appeal to the government to intensify efforts and send reinforcements to rescue the situation," he said.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Patigi Local Government, Hon Ahmed Rufai Adam, told Daily Trust during a phone conversation that he was in a critical security meeting over the matter.

"Yes, I am in a very serious meeting on the issue as we speak. I will get back to you," he said.

When contacted, Saliu Bello, the Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Governor, demanded that a text be sent, but had not responded to it as of the time of filing this report.

The latest assault happened a few days after the Kwara State Government relocated the 2025 Batch B Stream II National Youth Service Corps orientation camp from its permanent site in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, to Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin, as well as the temporary closure of cattle markets, before the decision was modified to allow restricted hours of operation.

The move was prompted by growing insecurity in Kwara North, particularly in the Edu and Patigi local government areas.

The NYSC state coordinator in Kwara, Mr Onifade Joshua, said about 1,800 corps members are expected for the 21-day exercise.

He said the change became necessary because of recent threats around the original camp location.

Also, the Forum of Seven Local Government Chairmen in Kwara South last week ordered the immediate shutdown of all Kara (cattle) markets in their districts.

The chairmen, Abdulrasheed Yusuf (Ifelodun), Benjamin Jolayemi (Isin), Azeez Yakub (Irepodun), Awelewa Gabriel (Ekiti), James Fadipe (Oke-Ero), Sulyman Olatunji (Offa) and Akanbi Olarewaju (Oyun), cited the prevailing security realities and the need to prevent further infiltration of criminal networks as justification.

As a precautionary step, they said all Kara (cattle) markets must remain closed indefinitely, while other produce markets would be restricted to 6:00 pm closures on market days.

Communities must expose criminal informants - Gov AbdulRazaq

However, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq reiterated his administration’s commitment to security on Monday, saying no resource will be spared to rout out criminal elements threatening peace in the state.

He spoke during the South Development Initiative (KSDI) strategic consultation of leaders in Omu Aran.

According to him, security remains a collective responsibility that requires the vigilance and partnership of all stakeholders to support relevant agencies in keeping communities safe.

"We are sparing no resources to strengthen security and rout out criminal elements. Security is a collective responsibility, and your partnership and support for the security agencies is vital in this monumental task", he said

He urged vigilance over the issue, adding that the enemies have informants and enablers within our communities.

He called for a collective effort to unmask criminals to keep the communities safe and conducive for growth.

A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Adisa Bolanta, advised that communities must adopt structured self-organization to curb infiltration.

"The first step is to take stock of those living among you and regulate the influx of strangers. Some of these criminals come pretending to be herders but establish settlements that later turn into bases for attacks.

"Communities should document the patterns of these assaults, the timing, the locations, and whether they occur at homes or on farms, to give the police clearer intelligence.

"We cannot assume the police already know everything. This level of community vigilance is critical," he said.

According to him, the people within must be among these criminals, and that is why it is important to really carry out a thorough work on it.

But the affected communities must officially inform the Inspector General of Police and copy the state government and all other relevant agencies.

"But if the police and military are willing, are the residents ready to volunteer information because they claim ignorance, no matter how little, to enable the security agencies to know the real situation. The police are not magicians", he said.