Local Vigilantes Nab Eight Suspected Kidnappers in Kwara

Security efforts in Kwara State got a major boost after local vigilantes arrested eight suspected kidnappers across several communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The arrests, which took place in Babanla, Babalomon, Oreke, and Oke-Ode, were confirmed by local sources on Monday. While security agencies have yet to officially verify the arrests, residents celebrated the vigilance and bravery of local forest hunters who made the breakthrough.

For months, parts of Kwara South and North Senatorial Districts have suffered repeated attacks from armed bandits, leading to killings, destruction of property, and mass displacement of residents. Despite government and security force interventions, criminal groups have continued to operate in the region.

Just weeks ago, the Babanla community was attacked by armed bandits, leaving five people dead, including a police officer, Adejumo Wasiu. The assailants also targeted the local police headquarters and the community market, forcing many residents to flee.

In a separate incident on Sunday, three brothers were reportedly abducted in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area. Locals blame the rising insecurity on the presence of the ‘Mahmuda’ terrorist group in Baruten and Kaiama, alongside other bandit cells operating in Ifelodun, Lafiagi, and Patigi.

The worsening situation recently prompted Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to visit Kwara North, while the state’s Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, and the DSS Director conducted on-the-spot assessments in Babanla.

Residents say the latest vigilante action has restored some hope, but they are calling for stronger and sustained efforts to permanently rid the region of kidnappers and bandits.