Bandits have launched fresh assaults on rural communities in Kwara State, killing a policeman and abducting several villagers in separate incidents across three local government areas.
In Edu Local Government Area, gunmen invaded Chekugi village in the Lafiagi Emirate during an early morning raid on Wednesday, whisking away four residents.
This attack came less than 24 hours after bandits stormed Matokun village in Patigi Local Government Area, where a pregnant woman was reportedly killed and at least five others injured.
Residents told newsmen that the attackers operated for more than five hours, holding villagers hostage before leaving with 12 captives. Four later escaped, while eight remain in captivity. As of press time, the abductors had yet to make any ransom demand.
One of the injured victims was transferred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital after doctors at the General Hospital, Patigi, declared his case beyond their capacity.
An eyewitness said the attacks forced residents to flee Matokun, leaving the community deserted.
He noted that an attempt to alert the army unit in Patigi ahead of the raid was unsuccessful, as soldiers reportedly delayed intervention while waiting for reinforcements.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the killing of Corporal Salisu Shamaki, a police orderly attached to a Chinese company, in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Three of Shamaki’s colleagues remain missing, though the Chinese miners escaped unhurt.
