Residents of a community in Kwara State are alarmed after seven people reportedly went missing following an attack by suspected bandits.
The incident occurred in Oke‑Ode village, along the Ilorin‑Kaiama road. Eyewitnesses said a group of armed men riding on motorcycles stormed the area, shooting into the air to scare residents before abducting several individuals.
One witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers targeted a popular junction where traders and commuters were gathered. “They came suddenly and started firing shots. We ran for our lives. When the gunfire stopped, we noticed seven people were missing,” the witness said.
Local sources reported that the bandits forced the victims into the bush and rode off toward nearby forest paths. Family members and neighbours immediately raised the alarm and alerted community vigilantes.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the community’s traditional council, Alhaji Sanni Adeoye, expressed deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped victims. He said efforts are underway to trace them and bring them back unharmed.
“We are appealing to security agencies to act quickly. Our people are living in fear,” Adeoye said.
Residents have called for increased patrols and stronger protection along the community’s major routes. They urged authorities to bring relief and security to vulnerable communities in the state.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and security forces have not issued an official statement. Relatives of the missing persons continue to search nearby bush paths and call for urgent intervention to secure their release.
