Terrorists Kill One, Abduct Resident, Injure Several On Kwara Community

Terrorists on Wednesday night invaded Wande community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing one person, abducting another resident, and injuring several others in the latest wave of attacks to hit communities in the state's southern axis. The attack has further heightened fears among residents, who say bandit activities have continued to spread across Kwara South despite ongoing security operations. A source familiar with the incident said that the terrorists stormed the Wande community on Wednesday night, opening fire on residents and leaving behind casualties before fleeing with one abducted victim. According to the source, one person was killed during the attack, another was kidnapped, and several residents sustained injuries. Describing the ordeal, the source said he was physically assaulted by the attackers and suffered a serious head injury after being struck with the butt of a gun. "They hit me on the head with the butt of their gun. Blood has been coming out of my head. The person they shot, we are taking him to the hospital in Igbaja. We are on our way," the source said. Residents said the latest attack underscores the worsening security situation in Kwara South, where several rural communities have reportedly been deserted as people flee persistent attacks by armed groups. "Kwara South has become a hotspot for bandits, while many communities have been deserted," the source added. Meanwhile, a top security source said on Thursday that the attackers were believed to be members of a terrorist group that security operatives had earlier engaged in Yaru town before escaping towards Wande. According to the security source, security forces had mounted an operation against the terrorists on Wednesday morning in Yaru, forcing them to retreat in the direction of the Wande community, where they later carried out the deadly attack. "It was obvious because they pushed them yesterday morning at Yaru again. They ran towards that end," the security source said.