Bandits Threaten Attack On Kwara Community, Residents Raise Alarm, Seek Urgent Security Intervention

Ilorin, Kwara State– Residents of Igbowu community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised the alarm over an alleged threat issued by suspected bandits, warning that the terrorists are planning to launch an attack on the community.

The residents, who spoke to Afrika Eyes on Thursday, said the suspected bandits left handwritten inscriptions in the community, informing villagers that they should prepare for an impending invasion.

According to the residents, the development has heightened fear and anxiety among community members, who are now calling on security agencies and the Kwara State Government to take immediate preventive measures before the threat is carried out.

The handwritten message allegedly left behind by the suspected bandits read: “Igbowu and get ready for us now bandit come.”

Speaking with Afrika Eyes, some residents said the message was discovered in strategic locations within the community, prompting concerns that the criminals may already be monitoring the area ahead of a possible attack.

The residents urged security agencies not to wait until lives are lost before taking action, stressing that the warning should be treated as a serious security threat.

Meanwhile, some indigenes of Igbowu community residing in Lagos State told Afrika Eyes that they had already contacted their relatives back home, urging them to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement to security agencies and local vigilante groups.

The concerned indigenes said community members should be on high alert and work closely with local security operatives to forestall any planned attack.

One of them said, “We have communicated with our families and relatives in the community. We advised them to be vigilant and immediately alert security agencies and local vigilantes about any suspicious movement or presence of strangers around the community.”

The indigenes also appealed to the Kwara State Government, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, and all relevant security agencies to intervene urgently.

They said, “We are calling on the Kwara State Government, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, and all security agencies to help us and prevent this attack before it takes place. They should not allow the bandits to invade our community and neighbouring communities before they start launching investigations.”

They added, “Since the bandits have already written to the community and announced their intention, the next step should be to prevent the attack before it happens. Security agencies must act now.”

The residents noted that communities across Kwara South Senatorial District have continued to experience recurring attacks, kidnappings and other forms of violent crimes in recent months.

According to them, the latest threat against Igbowu community comes amid growing concerns over worsening insecurity in the region.

They referenced the abduction of the traditional ruler of Afin-Ilere, Oba Olanipekun, in Ifelodun Local Government Area, noting that more than two months after his kidnapping, the monarch remains in captivity.

The residents also recalled recent incidents in which terrorists reportedly killed the wife of a pastor and four abductees from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) community in Omu-Aran after they were kidnapped.

The community members warned that unless urgent security measures are implemented, Igbowu and neighbouring communities could become the next targets of armed bandits operating across parts of Kwara South.

They therefore appealed for the deployment of additional security personnel, increased surveillance operations, and intensified collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups to prevent any imminent attack on the community.