Suspected bandits have attacked Kakafu community, a remote settlement in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting four residents.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, when the assailants reportedly stormed the village and seized a man, a woman, and her two daughters, throwing the community into panic.
Sources said the attackers fired sporadically into the air upon arrival, causing residents to flee for safety. The gunmen reportedly operated without resistance before whisking their victims away to an unknown destination.
“They did not kill anyone. They only abducted the four victims and fired indiscriminately to create fear and confusion among the villagers,” a local source, who requested anonymity, said.
A forest guard also speaking anonymously described the atmosphere in the community as tense and traumatic.
“People are still in shock. Panic has gripped the community because the assailants are believed to be hiding in nearby villages,” he said.
The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she was yet to receive official details of the attack but promised to respond once briefed.
“I am not aware of the incident at the moment. Please, I will get back to you as soon as I obtain the necessary information,” she said. As of press time, no further update had been provided.
Kwara has witnessed a string of violent attacks in recent months, with gunmen killing residents and carrying out kidnappings for ransom. On February 3, suspected terrorists reportedly killed 170 people in overnight attacks on two villages in the Kaiama area of the state.
The escalating violence has heightened fears that armed groups are advancing southward along the Niger–Kwara axis toward the Kainji forest, an area security analysts warn could serve as a potential stronghold.
Nigeria has also faced international scrutiny over insecurity. Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously accused the country of failing to protect Christians amid recurring attacks and mass kidnappings.
However, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has maintained that it is strengthening collaboration with Washington to tackle insecurity and has denied allegations of systematic religious persecution. Tinubu recently announced the creation of a new military unit aimed at curbing attacks and protecting vulnerable communities.Four Abducted in Fresh Attack on Kwara Community
