Residents of Oke-Ode, a community in Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, have begun fleeing their homes following renewed attacks by armed bandits that have left several people dead and many others injured.
The fleeing villagers, seen arriving in Ilorin, the state capital, carried loads and household items as they sought refuge with relatives and friends. Many vowed not to return until normalcy is restored, urging Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently deploy more security personnel to the area.
The latest attack occurred last Sunday when bandits invaded the community, killing about 13 people, kidnapping five others, and leaving many injured.
The incident, described as “killings too many” by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has intensified calls on the government to tackle the worsening insecurity in parts of the state.
AbdulRazaq, who visited the community during the week to commiserate with victims and their families, described the incident as tragic and promised enhanced security measures to prevent future attacks.
The National President of the Oke-Ode Community Development Association, Alhaji Ganiyu Bello, who spoke during the governor’s visit, described the situation as ‘pathetic and devastating’, adding that about 90 per cent of residents had fled their homes out of fear.
‘During the attack, about 13 lives were lost, five people were kidnapped, while many who sustained various degrees of injuries are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals’, Bello said.
He called on the state government to immediately deploy security agents to the area, approve and install a new Elesha of Oke-Ode, and provide arms for local hunters and vigilantes to help secure the community.
Bello also urged the government to investigate allegations that the head of the vigilante team, identified as Mr. Victor, withdrew guns from local security volunteers a day before the attack, stressing that if found true, such action must attract sanctions to serve as a deterrent.
While commending the governor for his developmental projects across the state, the community leader appealed for the rehabilitation of the remaining portion of the Igbaja–Oke-Ode–Shagbe Road to enhance security and accessibility.
AbdulRazaq prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and commended the efforts of security agencies, forest guards, and vigilantes for repelling the attackers.
‘We have come to commiserate with the community over the unfortunate attack. It is commendable that the security forces, forest guards, and vigilantes repelled them and restored peace to the community’, he said.
The governor assured residents that their concerns would be addressed and pledged his administration’s continued commitment to strengthening security across the state.
