Panic in Kwara as gunmen attack Edu community

By Goli Innocent

Residents of Gbugbu community in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State were thrown into panic on Sunday night following an alleged invasion by suspected terrorists.

Witnesses said the gunmen stormed the community shortly after 8:00 p.m., firing repeatedly and sending residents scrambling indoors for safety. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents deepening insecurity across parts of the state.

One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the assailants shot non-stop across the town. “As it is now, no confirmation has been made yet regarding the number of casualties or villagers abducted,” the source said. “The bandits stormed the community immediately after Isa’i, shooting non-stop while throwing residents into panic. Everyone is indoors.”

Efforts to reach the state police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.

The latest assault has heightened fears in Edu, Patigi, Ifelodun and Oyun local government areas, where residents have reported increasing attacks in recent weeks. Days earlier, terrorists reportedly struck Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama LGA, killing several residents and abducting others.

Security forces, however, repelled another attempted attack in Share, Ifelodun LGA, following a joint operation by security agencies.

Amid the rising violence, Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, last week launched Joint Task Force Operation Savannah Shield to combat insecurity in Kwara and parts of neighbouring Niger State, as authorities battle to contain the worsening threat.