Armed bandits raided Patigi communities in Kwara State, killing a pregnant woman and abducting residents.
Witnesses described gunmen on motorcycles attacking multiple villages, sparking panic and urgent calls for stronger security.
Armed bandits have launched deadly raids on several communities in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, leaving a pregnant woman and others dead while kidnapping at least eight people.
According to local residents, the attacks took place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, when dozens of gunmen on motorcycles stormed Motokun and Egboro villages, firing indiscriminately and forcing people to flee. Witnesses said many residents were injured in the chaos.
A vigilante leader, Gina Gana, explained that the assaults followed a confrontation between security forces and the bandits the previous day during which cattle were stolen in coordinated strikes across the area. He added that several of the attackers were wounded in the exchange of gunfire.
Community members recounted how the assailants moved from one location to another, targeting homes and abducting both people and livestock. Fanagun village in Tsaragi Emirate was also hit, with three Fulani men and their cattle reportedly seized. Residents said the gunmen operated for hours without any immediate intervention from security agencies.
One local resident said panic gripped nearby villages as people fled towards Patigi town. He confirmed that a pregnant woman shot during the attack later died at Patigi General Hospital, while about eight others were taken away by the bandits. He also alleged that the attackers made off with at least 15 motorcycles.
Another community leader, Mallam Mohammed, noted that the raids began in Motokun and extended to Egboro, displacing most villagers. He added that mixed marriages between Fulani and local families have made it harder to identify potential informants. According to him, the bandits appeared to target wealthier individuals for ransom and used violence when they met resistance.
Mohammed also recounted that a cleric from Patigi who regularly visited the villages to preach was killed and mutilated during the assault, which occurred between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Tuesday. He warned that such attacks have become almost weekly occurrences in Patigi, affecting communities like Lata, Ndanaku, Takarfu, Motokun, Egboro, and Lele.
He explained that while security forces and local vigilantes are making efforts, the gunmen often strike before help can arrive. Residents have resorted to prayers and repeated appeals to the government for reinforcements and stronger security measures.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Patigi Local Government, Hon. Ahmed Rufai Adam, said he was in an emergency security meeting over the attacks and promised to provide further updates as soon as possible.
