Suspected terrorists have killed at least five people in separate attacks within the last 24 hours in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, sparking fear among local communities.

According to a resident of Karonzi community who witnessed the incidents, two Fulani individuals were slaughtered on Wednesday evening around 8 pm in a hamlet near the village. The brutal attack prompted other residents to flee to nearby communities for safety.

In a separate incident on Thursday at approximately 4 pm, a group of twelve armed men reportedly emerged from the bush and ambushed a motorcycle carrying three passengers in another village within the same local government area. All three individuals were killed on the spot.

Rising Fear Among Residents

The source revealed that fear has now gripped the entire area, with residents afraid to step out of their homes due to the rising threat of killings and abductions. The rural communities in Baruten, which borders Benin Republic, have become increasingly vulnerable to such attacks.

"People are terrified. Many have abandoned their farms and businesses. We don't know who might be targeted next," the source told BenriNews.

Efforts to reach the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful, as calls were not answered at the time of filing this report. The lack of official response has further heightened anxiety among locals.

This incident follows a pattern of increasing insecurity in rural areas across northern Nigeria, where armed groups have exploited the vast, often poorly policed terrain to carry out attacks on vulnerable communities.

Local leaders have repeatedly called for increased security presence in the area, particularly along the porous borders where attackers can easily escape after committing crimes.