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 on fire.
They were able to do so without any challenge as most of the security forces (the vigilantes), travelled for Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
The attack, which began just after 6:00 am and came to an end around 11:00 am, continued unchallenge until a rapid response from a nearby community including soldiers and vigilantes arrived to chase the armed gunmen out of the community.
Confirmation of the armed attack was provided by the Emir of Yashikira Emirate, Umoru Sariki who stated that there was one death and many homes were destroyed.
He proceeded to call on the Federal Government and military to take practicable steps to move a permanent security station to Karongi or another neighboring town to protect them from armed attacks.
While the Kwara State Police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, claimed no prior knowledge of the incident, Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, spokesperson for the 22 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, confirmed the attack. He clarified that the deceased was a vigilante who had accompanied the soldiers during their response to the crisis.
The incident underscores the growing insecurity in rural communities and highlights the urgent need for strengthened local defense and permanent military presence in vulnerable areas.
