Bandits Slaughter Pregnant Woman, Mutilate Cleric, Others in Deadly Kwara Attacks

Residents of Patigi Local Government Area in Kwara State have fled their homes after bandits carried out deadly attacks on several communities, killing a pregnant woman and others while abducting eight people.

According to eyewitnesses, the attacks occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, September 23, 2025, when armed men riding motorcycles stormed Motokun and Egboro villages, shooting indiscriminately and causing widespread panic. Residents said the gunmen also operated in Fanagun village in Tsaragi Emirate, where three Fulani men and their cattle were abducted.

Community members reported that the attackers moved in large numbers, each armed with sophisticated weapons, and spent hours in the area without any immediate security response. Survivors recounted that the bandits not only killed and abducted residents but also stole at least 15 motorcycles.

A vigilante commander, Gina Gana, linked the incident to a confrontation the previous day between troops and bandits, during which dozens of cattle were rustled. He added that at least four of the assailants sustained serious injuries in that clash.

Hon. James Ibrahim, a resident, confirmed that one of the victims, a pregnant woman, later died at Patigi General Hospital. He appealed to the government for urgent intervention, noting that such attacks are becoming increasingly frequent.

Another community leader, Mallam Mohammed, said the bandits first attacked Motokun before advancing to Egboro, forcing many villagers to flee towards Patigi town. He described how a cleric who often visited the area to preach was killed and mutilated during the assault.

“The situation is complicated because of the close ties between Fulani families and locals, which makes it difficult to identify informants,” Mohammed explained. He added that the attackers often target wealthy individuals for ransom and shoot anyone who resists.

Residents expressed frustration that the armed groups now strike almost weekly in Patigi, with villages such as Lata, Ndanaku, Takarfu, Motokun, Egboro, and Lele repeatedly affected. While acknowledging the efforts of soldiers and vigilantes, they lamented that the security response often comes too late.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Patigi Local Government, Hon. Ahmed Rufai Adam, said he was in a critical security meeting over the matter and promised to provide updates.