Tension In Kwara As Residents Flee Bandit-Ravaged Community, Contradict Police Claims Of Normalcy

Ilorin,  Kwara State– Contrary to the claims of the Kwara State Police Command, residents of Ganmu-Ahileri in Ifelodun Local Government Area have abandoned their community following repeated bandit attacks, effectively turning the town into a ghost settlement.

In a viral video obtained by Afrika Eyes armed police operatives deployed to the area were seen expressing shock and concern over the complete absence of residents in the town.

One officer could be heard lamenting, “No single human being… How many years would they run away from here?” Another voice asked what could be done in the face of the obvious desertion.

The footage shows security personnel with rifles patrolling the deserted streets of Ganmu, highlighting the gravity of the insecurity that has forced residents to flee their homes for safety.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, who described the reports of mass displacement as “misleading” and aimed at creating “unnecessary panic and fear.”

The police acknowledged an attack on July 31, 2025, where five armed men ambushed travelers with a flat tire near Ganmu, killing two victims — Alhaji Abdulrazak Ewenla of Ajia village and Jimoh Audu from Ganmu — and kidnapping three others: Kazeem Ajide, Wahidi, and Mufutau (with surnames yet to be confirmed).

Following the incident, the Command said it deployed a joint team of police officers, soldiers, and local vigilantes to restore calm and rescue the abductees.

However, the reality on ground, as captured in the video, suggests a town emptied by fear, where even the deployed officers admit there is “no single human being” left.

The statement read,  “The Kwara State Police Command is aware of a viral video making rounds on social media purporting that residents of a village in Ganmu Ahileri, near Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area, have abandoned the community due to incessant bandit attacks — portraying the area as a “GHOST TOWN.”

“The Command categorically states that the information is misleading and aimed at creating unnecessary panic and fear among citizens. While it is true that an unfortunate criminal incident occurred on 31st July 2025, where some unknown armed men attacked travelers in Ganmu village, resulting in the death of two victims and the kidnap of three others, the Command has since taken prompt and decisive action.

“The victims were traveling from Lagos to Babanla when they experienced a flat tire near Ganmu village. While addressing the mechanical fault, they were ambushed by five armed assailants, leading to the tragic deaths of Alh. Abdulrazak Ewenla, a native of Ajia village, and Jimoh Audu from Ganmu.

“The attackers also abducted Kazeem Ajide, Wahidi, and Mufutau (surnames of the latter two yet to be confirmed) to an unknown location,” She said.

According to Ejire-Adeyemi, “Upon receipt of the report, tactical operatives, including a combined team of Police personnel, the Military, and local Vigilantes, were immediately deployed to the scene. Contrary to claims in the viral video, the armed security presence in the area — as seen in the clip — represents the coordinated deployment of law enforcement agents to restore confidence, maintain public safety, and ensure the rescue of kidnapped victims. This effort has since restored normalcy to the area.

“The Command wishes to assure the public that investigations are ongoing, and every effort is being made to rescue the abductees unhurt and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The Kwara State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo psc, mnips remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.”