By Ayomide Otitoju
Suspected bandits have reportedly abducted four members of a single family in Babanla community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.
The victims were said to have gone to their farmland around 5 a.m. on Wednesday when the assailants struck. The armed men reportedly stormed the farmland at the outskirts of Babanla, firing into the air before seizing the family members.
A source told reporters that five people were initially taken, but an elderly man was later released. “They came suddenly and surrounded them. The elderly man was freed, but four others were taken by the bandits,” said a female resident who asked not to be named.
Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, confirmed the incident, expressing concern over the security situation. “How and why should any sane person go to a farm at 5 a.m.? We all know the situation on the ground,” he said.
Residents are calling on the government and security agencies to increase patrols and deploy additional personnel to vulnerable rural communities to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe release of the abductees. Babanla and surrounding areas have experienced recurring security challenges, with locals highlighting the insufficient presence of security forces in farming settlements.
