Peace gradually returns to Kwara community after bandit attack

Peace is gradually returning to Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, days after hundreds of armed bandits invaded the community, killing at least five people, including a police officer. The attackers, who struck in broad daylight, looted nearly 50 shops, carted away large sums of cash and goods, and forced many residents […]

Peace is gradually returning to Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, days after hundreds of armed bandits invaded the community, killing at least five people, including a police officer.

The attackers, who struck in broad daylight, looted nearly 50 shops, carted away large sums of cash and goods, and forced many residents to flee.

Commercial activities were brought to a halt in the immediate aftermath.

Residents told Daily Trust on Monday that life is slowly returning to normal, aided by the presence of security operatives, including soldiers and local vigilantes, who are patrolling and strategically stationed across the town.

Some traders whose shops were looted have begun reopening, while others remain hesitant.

The community, with the support of its traditional ruler, has also urged displaced persons from neighbouring villages to return.

“I hadn’t opened my shop since the attack, but I did today, along with a few others,” said trader Sule Sanni.

Another resident, Abdul Omokanye, said normalcy was returning, but fear still lingered.

“We want the government to increase security presence here. Some of us have lived here for over 40 years. How do we now go elsewhere to start all over again?” he asked.

Malam Issa Jubril said, “We are talking to people from the affected villages to come back, but it cannot happen immediately. It will take time for them to feel safe. Shops and business activities are gradually picking up.”

The community called on the Federal Government to sustain and strengthen the current security measures.

A prince in the town, who did not want his name in print, urged the government to “establish a military training school and barracks in the Alioro forest,” believed to be the bandits’ hideout.

He said such a move would ensure lasting peace and allow farming, the area’s mainstay, to resume without fear.