Tears in Kwara: Pregnant Woman, Policeman Killed as Bandits Strike Again
Tragedy struck again in Kwara State on Tuesday as suspected armed bandits launched separate deadly attacks in Patigi and Ifelodun local government areas, leaving behind sorrow and fear among residents.
In Matogu village, Patigi LGA a pregnant woman was killed while five others sustained serious injuries during a morning raid that lasted for over three hours.
Our correspondent gathered that the bandits also kidnapped 12 people. While four of the victims later escaped, eight are still being held in captivity. No ransom demand has been made as at the time of filing this report.
One of the injured victims was rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital for intensive care after doctors at the General Hospital, Patigi, referred him due to the severity of his injuries.
Eyewitnesses told Sobi FM that Kanuri farmers in a nearby village had sighted the gunmen and tried to warn Matogu residents, but poor mobile network frustrated their efforts.
A source in the community lamented that despite alerting the army unit in Patigi ahead of the attack, no help came until much later.
The entire community is deserted. Our people can no longer sleep with their eyes closed. Farms and markets are empty, and our lives are at the mercy of these criminals,” the source said.
He added that the continuous attacks have crippled farming and trade in Patigi and neighbouring LGAs, with residents losing faith in government protection.
In a related development, another tragedy was recorded the same day in Agbonran, Ifelodun LGA, where gunmen attacked a mining site.
A police orderly, Corporal Salisu Shamaki, was shot dead in the ambush. Shamaki, who hailed from Mariga LGA of Niger State, joined the Force in 2017/2018 and left behind a pregnant wife.
Three other policemen reportedly attached to the Chinese miners are still missing, though the expatriates escaped unhurt.
