Gunmen kill vigilante member, six others in Kwara

Gunmen have launched a deadly attack in Ilesha Baruba, leaving six dead; while one vigilante was also killed in another incident during forest patrol in Kemanji in Baruten local government area of Kwara State.

A statement by SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, Police Public Relations Officer, said the Police arrested an informant linked to the bandits network, while tactical efforts are being intensified across affected regions.

The statement stated: “The Kwara State Police Command is investigating two grievous incidents that occurred on Sunday, April 21, 2025, in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of the State.

“At about 2130hrs, suspected armed men, numbering ten, stormed the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park and opened fire indiscriminately at civilians gathered at a nearby relaxation spot. As a result, six persons, identified as Alhaji Ja’awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu, and three others, lost their lives, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries.

“The deceased have been deposited at the Ilesha Baruba Morgue for autopsy, while the injured are receiving treatment. An investigation has been initiated, and full security measures have been implemented to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“In a related incident earlier the same day at about 1130hrs, a Kemanji-based vigilante group on routine foot patrol encountered suspected bandits within the Kainji National Park area In the course of the gun duel, three of the suspected bandits suffered fatal gunshot wounds, and a member of the vigilante, Yusuf Samba ‘M’ was shot and later succumbed to gunshot injury.

“Our investigation culminated in the arrest of an informant, who admitted to collaborating with a group of bandits. This individual has proven to be a valuable asset in advancing the investigation.

“The Kwara State Police Command assures residents of both communities that full security architecture has been activated, including tactical teams, intensified surveillance, and intelligence-led operations aimed at restoring peace and order. Citizens are urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Let it be made categorically clear that anyone aiding or abetting crime in any part of the state will face the full weight of the law.”