Fear Grips Kwara Community as Bandit Attacks Trigger Mass Migration

A wave of panic and displacement has gripped Oro-Ago, a community in the Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara South, as residents flee en masse following a surge in insecurity. From early Saturday through the evening, long lines of vehicles were seen leaving the town as people—both indigenes and Fulani/Bororo settlers—sought safety in other areas amid growing fears of kidnappings and killings that have plagued the district in recent weeks.

Security sources confirmed that the exodus also includes market women and traders, many of whom have abandoned their businesses to escape the escalating violence. The development follows the brutal killing of Chief David Oladepo Aina, Baale of Oyatedo and owner of Kebe Hotel, who was shot dead by armed bandits on September 25, 2025. The attack occurred outside his hotel shortly after he returned from a trip to Omu-Aran. The assailants reportedly attempted to abduct him, but he resisted and was fatally shot.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, for comments on the situation were unsuccessful as of Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Titiloye, has urged political leaders to refrain from politicizing the state’s worsening security challenges. In a statement issued in Oro, the monarch described the situation as a matter requiring collective responsibility and sober reflection. He emphasized that stakeholders must work closely with government authorities to de-escalate the crisis and prevent further bloodshed.

Oba Titiloye expressed concern that some individuals are attempting to exploit the insecurity for political gain, noting that such actions only deepen the suffering of affected communities. He commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration for supporting security agencies in tackling the criminal activities and reaffirmed his confidence that the government is taking concrete steps to restore peace.

The traditional ruler called for renewed cooperation and vigilance among residents, stressing that unity and information sharing remain vital in the fight against the growing threat of banditry and violent crime across the state.