Gunmen kill six in Kwara communities

Gunmen launched a deadly attack in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten local government area and Kemanji, Kaiama local government area of Kwara state on Sunday, leaving six dead; one vigilante was killed during forest patrol in Kemanji.

The police command, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the development, saying that police had arrested an informant linked to a bandit network, adding that tactical efforts had been intensified across affected regions.

The Kwara State Police Command is investigating two grievous incidents that occurred on Sunday, April 21, 2025, in Baruten and Kaiama local government areas of the state.

“At about 21:30 hours, suspected armed men, numbering 10, stormed the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park and opened fire indiscriminately at civilians gathered at a nearby relaxation spot.

“As a result, six persons—identified as Alhaji Ja’awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu, and three others—lost their lives, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries.

“The deceased have been deposited at the Ilesha Baruba Morgue for autopsy, while the injured are receiving treatment.

The state Police command said that an investigation has been initiated, adding that full security measures had been implemented to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

In a related incident earlier the same day at about 11:30 hours, the Tribune gathered that a Kemanji-based vigilante group, on routine foot patrol, encountered suspected bandits within the Kainji National Park area.

It was gathered that three of the suspected bandits suffered fatal gunshot wounds in the course of the gun duel, and a member of the vigilante, Yusuf Samba ‘male’ was shot and later succumbed to gunshot injury.

“Our investigation culminated in the arrest of an informant, who admitted to collaborating with a group of bandits. This individual has proven to be a valuable asset in advancing the investigation”.

The Kwara State Police Command assures residents of both communities that full security architecture has been activated, including tactical teams, intensified surveillance, and intelligence-led operations aimed at restoring peace and order.

“Citizens are urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
Let it be made categorically clear that anyone aiding or abetting crime in any part of the state will face the full weight of the law”.

Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state, GOC 2 Division, Brigade Commander, the Commissioner of Police and DSS Director on Monday led Joint Security Assessment to Kaiama local government area of the state.

The governor and top military and intelligence chiefs visited Kaiama to assess security concerns and reinforce inter-agency collaboration across border communities.

“In a bid to reinforce inter-agency synergy and enhance situational awareness across border communities, on Monday, April 21, 2025, a high-powered joint security delegation led by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, conducted an operational assessment tour to Kaiama Local Government Area.

“Accompanying the Governor is the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General O.G. Onubugu; the Brigade Commander, Sobi Cantonment, Brigadier General E.B. Barkins; the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo psc mnips; and the Director of the Department of State Services, Mr Michael Aganwu; Alh Aliyu Muyideen, the Senior special adviser on security matters to the Governor.

“The team held a strategic security interface with the Emir of Kaiama, Alh Muazu Shehu Omar (Bagidi ki Yaru IV) and other critical stakeholders including the commissioner for local government, chieftaincy affairs and community development, Hon Abubakar Abdullahi Bata; the LGA Chairman of Kaiama, Alh Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, the LGA Chairman of Baruten, Alh Issa Jubril; state assembly members, and District Heads.

“Deliberations focused on the security architecture within Kemenji, Karoji, and the Kainji National Park axis. The visit was concluded with an inspection of the local oil mill facility before the delegation returned safely to Ilorin. The area remains calm, with robust security presence maintained.

“The Kwara State Police Command assures residents of Kaiama, Baruten, and adjoining communities that adequate security deployments are in place and being reinforced to forestall any threat to peace and order. Citizens are urged to go about their lawful activities without fear while remaining vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement.

“Let it be clearly stated that any individual or group attempting to undermine the safety of our communities will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law”, the statement said.

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