Bandits have abducted six residents of Kwara
No fewer than six travellers have been abducted by gunmen along the Shagba–Babanla road in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Among the six travellers, who were taken away by the gunmen to unknown location, were Wasiu Wahabi, Gani, Abdulateef Meco, and, the Chief Imam of Babanla community, Sarafa Raheem.
It was learnt that victims, who were travelling from Oke-Ode to Babanla community, were abducted barely 24 hours before the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, visited troubled communities to access the level of security, promising to setup more operational base to tackle the menaces.
Sources familiar with the incident said the attack happened at about 7:15 p.m., a period when many travellers were still using the road.
Furthermore, they reported that the assailants operated swiftly and appeared heavily armed, creating panic among motorists and nearby residents.
One resident, who asked not to be identified, said the attackers struck with little warning.
“They appeared suddenly and took control of the situation within minutes. People were terrified because no one knew what would happen next,” the resident said.
Meanwhile, the incident has deepened anxiety among locals who rely on the route for daily movement between neighbouring communities.
Many residents noted that insecurity along rural roads has become increasingly worrying, urging authorities to take urgent action.
“The road is very important to many communities around here,” another resident said. “If travellers cannot move safely, it affects businesses, schools, and daily life.”
The attack has sparked tension across Babanla and surrounding settlements, with residents appealing to security agencies to intensify search operations to secure the release of the abducted travellers.
Community leaders also called for increased patrols and a stronger security presence along the route to prevent similar attacks.
According to them, cases of kidnapping and banditry have gradually increased in the area in recent months.
As of the time of this report, security agencies had not issued an official statement on the incident, although residents said authorities had been alerted and efforts were ongoing to track down the bandits.
