- As forest guards decry unpaid salaries and inadequate equipment
Suspected bandits have carried out coordinated attacks on multiple rural communities in Kwara State, abducting residents, injuring civilians, and rustling cattle in a wave of violence that has heightened fears across the region.
The attacks, which occurred late Wednesday night, targeted communities in Isin and Ifelodun local government areas, including Iwo Odo-Ore, Gaa-Idera, and Gaa Dembo-Agunjin.
Security sources told SaharaReporters that the near-simultaneous assaults suggest a high level of planning and coordination by the attackers.
In Iwo Odo-Ore, at least five people were abducted, including a prominent community figure, Alhaji Yusuf Yunusa, alongside four other residents. Sources described Yunusa as a well-known local politician and education proprietor who had been preparing for a family ceremony before the attack.
Violence also spread across Ifelodun LGA, where multiple abductions were reported. At least six people were kidnapped in Gaa Dembo-Agunjin, while two others were taken in Gaa-Idera, where residents had been preparing for a wedding ceremony.
According to local accounts, the attackers specifically targeted individuals linked to the event, including the bride’s mother. Livestock were also stolen during the raids.
Witnesses said the assailants opened fire during the attack, leaving at least two people injured.
The latest incidents underscore growing concerns over deteriorating security in parts of Kwara State, particularly in rural areas increasingly exposed to armed groups.
The attacks come amid mounting frustration among local security operatives. Sources say forest guards deployed to support security efforts are struggling with unpaid salaries, inadequate equipment, and low morale.
A trainer involved in the programme said many of the guards have not received their allowances since deployment and continue to rely on outdated weapons.
“They are facing highly armed bandits with minimal support,” the source said. “That is why casualties are increasing.”
According to insiders, guards operating in Ifelodun and Kaiama local government areas—both considered high-risk zones—are among the worst affected.
Morale has reportedly declined sharply, with some personnel abandoning their posts over safety concerns.
“This year alone, we have lost at least 20 members, and many of these incidents go unreported,” one source said.
In a separate distress message, a security officer deployed in Kaiama described dire conditions on the ground, alleging a lack of food, delayed allowances, and repeated deadly attacks.
“We are barely surviving. Officers are sick, and some have been killed. There has been no meaningful response,” the officer said, calling for urgent government intervention.
The developments have raised fresh questions about the capacity and welfare of frontline security personnel tasked with confronting escalating banditry in the region.
