Kwara community condemns bandit attack

The Oke-Ode Community Development Association in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has condemned last Sunday’s bandit attack on the town, which left no fewer than 15 vigilantes and a village head dead, while five other residents were abducted.

AbdulGaniyu Ajala-Bello, National President of the association, condemned the incident, calling for intensified security operations to forestall a recurrence.

In a statement issued on Monday on behalf of the President, the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr Kunle Akogun, expressed condolences to the families of the slain vigilantes, the Bale of Ogba-Ayo, and others affected by the attack.

“We commiserate with the families of the victims. We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the dead, quick recovery for the wounded, and the safe return of those abducted,” the statement read in part.

The community leader noted that the incident had created fear and tension among residents of the area but appealed for calm.

He assured that necessary steps were being taken to check the menace of banditry and kidnapping in Oke-Ode and its environs.

Ajala-Bello also urged residents to be more vigilant and to report suspicious movements to security operatives, stressing that the fight against insecurity required collective efforts.

He appealed to both the state and federal governments to take more proactive measures in addressing the activities of the criminal elements, while also calling for stronger collaboration among security agencies to bring an end to the attacks.

In recent years, banditry and kidnapping have worsened across several parts of the North-Central, including Kwara, with communities frequently bearing the brunt of violent raids, killings, and abductions.

On Sunday, 15 vigilantes and hunters were killed when armed bandits invaded the community. Some residents were also reportedly kidnapped during the attack.