Suspected bandits have abducted four members of the same family in Babanla community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday while working on their farmland on the outskirts of the community.
How the attack happened
According to community sources, the armed men stormed the farmland at about 5:00 a.m., firing gunshots into the air before rounding up members of the family.
A source disclosed that five persons were initially seized during the attack, but an elderly man was later released, while four others were taken to an undisclosed location.
A female resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers suddenly surrounded the victims. The elderly man was later freed, but four others were taken away.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the abducted victims had not been officially confirmed.
LG chairman reacts
The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon. Femi Yusuf, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation.
He questioned why residents would go to farm as early as 5:00 a.m. given the prevailing security situation.
He stated that he was aware of the incident and noted that soldiers, police officers, vigilantes and forest guards were already present in the area. He added that if attacks still occur despite their presence, the security agencies should provide answers.
Rising security concerns in Ifelodun LGA
Babanla and surrounding communities in Ifelodun LGA have faced recurring security challenges in recent months, with residents complaining about inadequate security coverage in farm settlements.
The latest incident has heightened concerns among locals, who are urging the state government and security agencies to intensify patrols in rural areas, deploy more personnel to vulnerable communities, strengthen surveillance around farm settlements and secure the release of the abducted victims.
As of press time, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement regarding the abduction.
