Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Kill Vigilante Commander ‘Jagun’ In Kwara 

Ilorin, Kwara State- Gunmen suspected Fulani herdsmen have killed Chief Lukman Balogun, a prominent vigilante commander popularly known as “Jagun,”  in Igbaja community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The clash took place on Monday evening during a mission to rescue three individuals abducted by the herdsmen.

It was gathered that Jagun was tracking the kidnappers, who had previously abducted a prominent Igbaja resident, when he was killed on the Ogele-Yaaru road.

Three kidnap victims, whose identities have not been revealed, were still in the custody of their captors when the incident occurred.

Local sources reported that Jagun, known for his esteemed role in community security, was shot during an intense exchange of gunfire.

According to the source, Jagun’s death has created a substantial gap in the local vigilante group, leaving many to grieve the loss of a man who dedicated his life to ensuring the safety of others.

The source also mentioned that tensions have escalated in the area due to recent incidents involving suspected herdsmen, prompting communities to call for increased security measures.

Meanwhile, hundreds of residents from the community stormed the palace of the Elese of Igbaja to express their anger and grief over the killing of Jagun and the abduction of several residents.

In a video obtained by Afrika Eyes, protesters expressed their desire to expel the Bororo community from their area.

“We stand here at the palace of the Elese—men, women, young and old—united in saying we no longer want them in our community.

“They have killed Jagun, the grand local commander of Ifelodun. With his death, we feel unsafe as he was the one fighting against the criminals in our midst.

One protester reported that three Fulani women were abducted from Igbaja on Sunday, while Jagun was killed on Monday evening during a clash between his vigilante group and the kidnappers.

“They have destroyed our farms and forced us off our land. Now they’ve invaded our community, taken Jagun’s life, and expect us to be patient. We will not remain patient. This is Yoruba land, and we refuse to have the Bororo here any longer.

“We feel unsafe in Igbaja now that our protector is gone. When a similar situation arose in Babala, the state government quickly sent soldiers to remove them, yet no security forces have arrived here.

He also mentioned that Jagun’s wife gave birth last week, and the naming ceremony was held on Tuesday.

The paramount ruler of Igbaja, Oba Ahmed Babalola Arepo III, has condemned the recent killing and urged protesters to exercise patience, advising against retaliation or violence.

The monarch also announced that efforts are underway to apprehend the assailants who have fled.

In a troubling development, two individuals were reportedly kidnapped from Kajola village early Tuesday, raising further concerns about insecurity in the region.

Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, Coordinator of the Kwara South Elders Security Forum, confirmed the abductions, stating that a total of five people have been taken and that Balogun lost his life during a rescue attempt for the kidnapped women.

He noted that a joint task force, comprising police, military personnel, and vigilante groups, is actively searching the forests surrounding Igbaja and Oke-Ode for the victims.

Efforts to reach DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, the spokesperson for the state police command, for comment were unsuccessful, as she did not answer the call or respond to the message sent.