Unknown Gunmen suspected to be bandits have launched a deadly overnight attack on a settlement in Bokungi, Tsaragi community, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing one person and rustling several cows.
It was gathered that the incident occurred around midnight into Wednesday morning, leaving residents in shock and fear.
Sources disclosed to Newsmen that the assailants stormed the community at about 12 a.m., shooting sporadically to scare residents before carting away dozens of cattle.
Though, Alhaji Mumini’s son, Muhammadu, who had just married a month ago, was killed.
Meanwhile, when the bandits were unable to force open Alhaji Garuba’s door, they went straight to rustle all his cows.
According to the source, “They came around 12 a.m. when the kidnappers entered through Bokungi and moved nearly 700 Fulani cows, shooting as they went. They passed through Fengewa before vigilantes and Nigerian soldiers attempted to intercept them, but as of now I don’t know if the soldiers and vigilantes succeeded.
“Alhaji Garuba and Alhaji Mumini were affected, with Alhaji Mumini’s first son killed by them. The stolen cows are estimated to be nearly 1000. People are asking why the Nigerian Army made no real effort.”
Residents further explained that as the attackers advanced through Fengewa, the gunshots alerted local vigilante groups and security operatives, who mobilized quickly to confront them.
A combined team of vigilantes and Nigerian Army troops engaged the bandits in a brief exchange of fire, but it remained unclear by Wednesday morning whether any arrests were made or if the stolen cattle were recovered.
“We got a call this morning from Shegbe that they saw some cows and had stopped them,”another source said.
The killing has heightened fears in Edu Local Government and surrounding areas, with residents lamenting the rising wave of insecurity in parts of Kwara.
Community members also expressed frustration that the attack happened while Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was reportedly away on vacation abroad, leaving locals to rely heavily.
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