The wave of violent attacks in Kwara State has deepened following the abduction of two brothers by suspected bandits while working on a cassava farm in Edu Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on Wednesday in Bokungi Zambufu community, under the Lafiagi Emirate. Eyewitnesses told NupekoTV that the armed men stormed the farmland, firing sporadically to disperse villagers before seizing the victims.
One of the abducted brothers has been identified as Mohammed Mohammed, a respected community figure and former President of the National Association of Nupe Students (NANUS).
The attack has intensified fears among farmers in Kwara North, where recurring cases of kidnapping and violence have already threatened agricultural activities. Residents accused authorities of failing to curb the rising insecurity, warning that food production could suffer severe setbacks if the trend continues.
As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the victims remain unknown, and security agencies have not issued an official response.
This latest abduction comes just days after a series of coordinated attacks in other parts of the state:
Monday: Armed bandits abducted two sons of a community youth leader in Essanti village, Patigi Local Government Area, after intercepting them on their way back from the farm. The attackers reportedly said the abduction was meant to intimidate residents and discourage resistance.
Sunday Night: Gunmen raided Marri village, also in Patigi LGA, killing one person, injuring another, and carting away several motorcycles during heavy rainfall.
Sunday Morning: In Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, bandits killed at least 12 vigilante members, including the Baale (community leader) of Ogbayo, during an early morning invasion. The Kwara State Police Command later confirmed the incident, adding that four others were injured and taken to hospital.
Police said joint operations involving the military and the National Forest Security Service were underway to track down the perpetrators.
The string of attacks has heightened anxiety across Kwara communities, with many residents calling for urgent and decisive government action to restore security.