One killed, houses burnt in fresh Kwara attack
One person has been confirmed dead and several homes razed in Karongi, a community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, following an attack by gunmen suspected to be members of the Mahmuda group. Daily Trust reports that at least five people were killed last week, between Tuesday and Wednesday, in a coordinated attack […]
houses destroyed during an attack in bassa and mangu lga of plateau state, yesterday
One person has been confirmed dead and several homes razed in Karongi, a community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, following an attack by gunmen suspected to be members of the Mahmuda group.
Daily Trust reports that at least five people were killed last week, between Tuesday and Wednesday, in a coordinated attack by the group in Duruma Karonzi, another remote community in the council.
The latest incident reportedly occurred on Sunday evening. Residents recounted how the attackers entered the town in the early hours, taking advantage of the absence of local vigilante personnel.
Some had travelled for Eid el Kabir, while others were away on a training in Ilọrin to confront the group in line with the federal group Forest Guide recruitment initiative.
It was gathered that the gunmen operated from around 6am to 11am before they were repelled by a joint team of soldiers and vigilantes mobilised from neighbouring communities.
The Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umoru Sariki, confirmed the development in a phone interview, stating that one life was lost and several houses were destroyed during the attack.
“They struck early in the morning, and unfortunately, our local security men were not around. One person was killed, and many houses were burnt. We had to mobilise support from nearby areas to chase them out,” he said.
The Emir also reiterated the need for a permanent security presence in the area. “The soldiers are stationed far away, in Chikanda. We appeal to the government to consider establishing a military post closer to vulnerable communities like Karongi,” he added.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Kwara State, Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, said she was not aware of the attack but promised to make enquiries.
However, the spokesperson for the 22 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Ilorin, Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, confirmed the incident on Monday.
“Yes, there was an attack. A vigilante member who accompanied our troops to the area was killed. Some makeshift houses were also set ablaze. The attackers fled upon seeing the soldiers,” he said.
The group has been linked to a number of similar attacks in the area in recent months, sparking concern among residents and local authorities over the growing insecurity in rural border communities.