Kidnappers terrorise Kwara farming community

Some farmers in Egbejila, Isale-Odo in Obate Community, Ilorin have lamented the worsening security situation in the area.  It was gathered that masked armed men have laid siege on the residents of the agrarian community unleashing several attacks for months now.  Residents, who spoke with North Central Trust on the issue, said the attack on […]

Some farmers in Egbejila, Isale-Odo in Obate Community, Ilorin have lamented the worsening security situation in the area. 

It was gathered that masked armed men have laid siege on the residents of the agrarian community unleashing several attacks for months now. 

Residents, who spoke with North Central Trust on the issue, said the attack on the farmers and other residents started around May this year but has escalated. 

Findings by our reporter revealed that the latest incident happened on the October 27 when three masked men with machetes attacked a resident, Wasiu Ajimati, while on his motorcycle, inflicting serious injuries on him. 

The victim, who is also a commercial motorcyclist, said he was rescued by his colleagues at the park after the attack. 

The spokesman for the Egbejila/Obate farmers, Aluko Samuel, told our reporter that the farmers are now living in fear. 

“On September 26, some armed masked men invaded my farm in an attempt to kidnap a husband and wife who came to buy land in the area. But the attempt was not successful as the couple somehow escaped. 

“In another incident, about three masked armed men attacked a farmer and wounded him in the process. But his shout attracted other farmers in the surrounding farms who later rushed to the scene but the hoodlums had left with his motorcycle, leaving him in a terrible situation. 

“The issue is getting beyond our capacity. Around May, we foiled another attempt on our men as the men have turned our community into their base of operation,” he said. 

When our reporter visited Budo Nuhu police station, an officer who confided in our reporter said: “The matter has been transferred to the police headquarters. 

When contacted, spokesman of the state command, Ajayi Okasanmi, said although he had not been briefed, he would contact the police division to ask about the matter. 

“We are going to investigate and police patrol will be deployed to that area,” he added.