A fierce clash between armed bandits and the Nigerian army in Kwara state has led to the death of one resident.
The armed men struck Marri Village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State late Sunday night, killing one resident and injuring another during a violent raid.
The attack happened between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. under heavy rainfall, with the gunmen carting away several motorcycles after storming the community.
Local media reported that troops from the Nigerian Army responded swiftly after receiving a distress call.
The soldiers reportedly engaged the bandits and recovered all stolen motorcycles.
A resident who spoke under anonymity on Monday morning said the army’s quick reaction saved the community from a bigger tragedy.
“We were terrified, but the military’s arrival gave us some relief. At least they were able to recover what the criminals took,” he said.
Despite the intervention, fear lingers in Kwara North, which has seen a spike in violent attacks over the past weeks.
Just hours before the Marri assault, another community in the state suffered a bloodier incident.
Armed men had invaded Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area on Sunday morning, killing 12 vigilantes, including the community head of Ogbayo, known as the Baale.
Police spokespersons confirmed that the gunmen struck around 7:00 a.m., opening fire on locals in the Ogbayo area.
A combined security team of police officers and operatives from the National Forest Security Service later discovered the bodies of the slain vigilantes, all of whom had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Four other victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Kwara State Police Command, in a statement, said investigations were ongoing in collaboration with the military and other security agencies to track down the attackers.
“We will not relent until those behind these heinous crimes are brought to justice,” the statement assured.
The twin attacks have reignited fears among residents, with many urging authorities to intensify security patrols across Kwara’s rural communities.