Gunmen suspected to be members of the 'Mahmuda' group launched a deadly attack on Karongi town in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State early Sunday morning, killing a vigilante and setting several houses ablaze.
The attackers exploited a security vacuum as most local vigilantes had traveled for Eid-el-Kabir festivities, leaving the community vulnerable. The assault began around 6:00 am and continued unabated for approximately five hours until reinforcements arrived.
Attack Details and Response
According to local sources, the gunmen operated freely until a joint response team comprising soldiers and vigilantes from neighboring communities arrived to repel them around 11:00 am. The Emir of Yashikira Emirate, Umoru Sariki, confirmed the attack resulted in one death and significant property destruction.
"Many homes were destroyed during this attack," the Emir stated, calling on the Federal Government and military authorities to establish a permanent security outpost in Karongi or nearby communities to prevent future incidents.
While the Kwara State Police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, claimed no prior knowledge of the incident when contacted, Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, spokesperson for the 22 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, confirmed the attack. Lt. Nwankwo clarified that the deceased was a vigilante who had accompanied soldiers during their response operation.
Security Implications
This incident highlights the growing security challenges facing rural communities in Kwara State and raises concerns about the adequacy of current security arrangements, particularly during major holidays when personnel deployments may be reduced.
Security experts suggest that the timing of the attack—during Eid-el-Kabir when security presence was minimal—indicates strategic planning by the perpetrators, underscoring the need for more robust and permanent security infrastructure in vulnerable border communities.
The attack on Karongi adds to a growing pattern of insecurity in Nigeria's rural areas, where communities often rely heavily on local vigilante groups for protection due to limited presence of formal security forces.
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