Panic As Prominent Agro-Chemical Dealer Kidnapped By Suspected Fulani Gunmen In Kwara

Ilorin, Kwara State – Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits have abducted a well-known agro-chemical businessman, popularly known as Alhaji Chemical, in the early hours of Sunday in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Sources told Afrika Eyes that the heavily armed attackers stormed the victim’s residence in the Taiwo area of Lafiagi around 1:00 a.m., overpowering local vigilantes on duty with superior firepower.

According to a resident who witnessed the incident, the attackers appeared to have  targeted Alhaji Chemical, executing the abduction swiftly before escaping on motorcycles.

“The kidnappers overwhelmed the local vigilantes despite their efforts. They were heavily armed and moved with terrifying speed,” the source said.

This latest abduction has created fear among residents of Kwara North, a region that has seen a troubling rise in kidnapping incidents in recent months.

“This is not the first, second, or even third time such an incident is happening here,” another resident lamented.

“We are living in fear. The government and security agencies seem helpless while these deadly criminals turn our communities into kidnapping zones.”

The residents are calling on the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to act swiftly in rescuing Alhaji Chemical and curbing the persistent threat of banditry in the region.

Efforts by Afrika Eyes to get an official comment from the Kwara State Police Command proved abortive, as the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, did not respond to calls or messages sent to her phone at the time of filing this report.

Afrika Eyes previously reported that a deadly kidnapping incident on Sunday night, June 22, has left three people dead in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The victims include a prominent businessman identified as Alhaji Dauda Ismaila, a local vigilante officer, and one of the suspected kidnappers.

It was gathered that the tragedy unfolded around 10:00 pm when gunmen stormed the residence of Alhaji Ismaila, a well-known businessman and farmer.

Eyewitnesses say the attackers fired several shots into the air, causing panic across the neighborhood before seizing Alhaji Dauda and fleeing into the surrounding forest.

Local vigilantes responded swiftly, launching a rescue mission that resulted in a fierce gun battle in the bush.

Meanwhile, during the exchange, one of the suspected kidnappers was shot dead.

However Alhaji Dauda was also killed in the crossfire, along with a member of the vigilante team.

Security officials confirmed the clash and said the dead kidnapper is believed to be of Fulani origin.

A manhunt is ongoing for the remaining members of the gang.

Alhaji Dauda Ismaila was a respected figure in Okuta, known for his investments in farming and commerce.

His death has generated grief and outrage in the community, where residents say they are now living in fear.

The attack marks the latest in a disturbing pattern of abductions in Baruten LGA.

Just three weeks ago, a victim was kidnapped in Shiya community and released only after a hefty ransom was paid.