Gunmen have launched an attack on Ilesha Baruba (Baruten Local Government Area) and Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, leading to the death of seven people, including a member of the vigilante group.
The incident was confirmed by the Kwara State Police Command through a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Toun Ejire-Adeyemi.
In the statement, the PPRO, Ejire-Adeyemi, revealed that the police apprehended an informant linked to a group of gunmen, noting that strategic security operations had been increased in the affected areas.
The police also revealed that they are presently investigating two incidents that happened on the 21st of April.
The statement reads, “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.”
Suspected gunmen attacks vigilante group
In a similar development, a group of vigilantes scheduled to patrol the forest encountered suspected gunmen near the Kainji National Park in Kemanji on the same day at about 11:30 hours.
According to the report, three of the suspected gunmen were seriously injured during the gunfight, while Yusuf Samba, a vigilante member, was shot. Yusuf later died from his injuries.
The statement continues,
“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.”
“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.
“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 are 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; the Director of the Department of State Services, Mr. Michael Aganwu; and 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 Kemanji, 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 a robust security presence maintained.”
