Unidentified gunmen suspected to be members of the 'Mahmuda' group launched a deadly attack on Karongi town in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State on Sunday, killing one vigilante and setting several houses ablaze.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community in the early hours of Sunday, taking advantage of the absence of local vigilantes who had traveled for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations or were attending a training workshop elsewhere.
According to reports, the assailants operated unchallenged between 6am and 11am until a combined team of soldiers and vigilantes mobilized from neighboring settlements arrived to dislodge them.
Emir Confirms Attack
The Emir of Yashikira Emirate in Baruten Local Government, Umoru Sariki, confirmed the incident to reporters, stating: "The bandits from Mahmuda group struck at about 6am on Sunday. They attacked Karongi town in my Emirate. They killed one person and burned many houses in the community."
"They took advantage of the absence of vigilante men who have travelled for Sallah while some had also gone for training. They invaded the town for hours from 6am to 11am. We had to go to the surrounding communities in the Emirate to mobilise local vigilantes who chased them away," the Emir added.
The traditional ruler has called on the Federal Government and military authorities to establish a security base in Karongi or neighboring communities to protect residents in the area.
Military Confirms, Police Unaware
While the Kwara State Police Command spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she was not aware of the attack when contacted, the Nigerian Army confirmed the incident.
Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, Public Relations Officer of the 22 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Sobi, Ilorin, verified the attack on Monday, stating: "Yes, the incident happened. I'm aware one of the vigilante men was killed while some makeshift houses were set ablaze by the gunmen."
"Soldiers were alerted about the incident and they went to the village. The person killed was one of the vigilante men who escorted soldiers to the village," he added.
This attack highlights growing security concerns in rural communities across Kwara State, with local authorities calling for increased military presence in vulnerable areas.
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