The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday said that no fewer than 507 persons were killed by suspected bandits between January and November 2025 in the state.
Speaking with journalists on the state of insecurity in Kwara State, the party’s state chairman, Hon. Adamu Isa Bawa, said that at least 377 people were abducted across Ifelodun, Patigi, Edu, Ekiti, Isin, and Irepodun local government areas of the state.
According to him, “A recent study by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) revealed that tragic incidents include the brutal killing of close to 100 vigilantes in Patigi; the abduction of 38 worshippers in Eruku; several persons killed and kidnapped in Babanla; 11 abducted in Isapa; and several others kidnapped in the Agbeku community, among many unreported cases.
“The people of Oke-Ode will never forget the September 28 massacre, when bandits launched a brutal attack on the community, leaving hunters, vigilantes, traders, a traditional leader, and young men murdered in a brutal manner.
“More than 15 people were killed and many properties were destroyed on that bloody day.
“A day before the attack, villagers alleged that a government agent, described as a military man, visited the community and disarmed local hunters and vigilantes, claiming the weapons were to be serviced. Hours after he left the community, the bandits struck.”
The chairman, who was represented at the press conference by the party’s state secretary, Hon. Kayode Abdullahi Alase, said the destructive activities of the bandits could be linked to the unchecked actions of criminal elements.
On a video circulating on social media showing the arrest of suspected bandits in Auchi, Edo State, with a patrol van belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Hon. Adamu said the party was disturbed by the development.
“In the video, the criminal suspects categorically alleged that officials of the Kwara State Government supplied them with AK-47 rifles and a government-crested operational vehicle for their criminal activities.
“The suspects did not claim to have stolen the weapons, bought them from the black market, or ambushed security operatives to hijack them.
“They stated clearly and repeatedly that the weapons were supplied by officials of the Ilorin Government, and that the vehicle used was a government patrol van procured by the AbdulRazaq-led administration and distributed to local government councils in the state.”
While calling on the Federal Government to set up a probe panel to investigate the allegations, Hon. Adamu said such an investigation would go a long way in bringing those involved to book.
However, in a statement by the State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the Kwara State Government denied supplying weapons to anyone, stating that “indeed, no state government has the power to arm anyone with AK-47 rifles.”
The statement added that the individuals mentioned in the crime did not state that the Kwara State Government gave them any weapons. It further explained that the Ifelodun Local Government Authority had clarified that the security van was initially given to vigilantes deployed in Ifelodun to strengthen security.
“These vigilantes have since left Ifelodun. However, the LGA has repeatedly complained to relevant authorities that its vehicle was not returned to its pool.
“To win the war against banditry and other violent crimes, we urge enhanced inter-agency coordination, intelligence sharing, and cooperation among security agencies.
“As security forces continue to probe the matter, we urge the public, especially online media platforms and bloggers, to avoid biased interpretation of information or misrepresentation, as such actions pose an existential threat to human life and public peace.”
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