The Kwara Police Command, along with other security personnel, has started manhunt on suspected attackers of Babanla, Ahileri, Ifelodun Local Government Area last Friday, who invaded the communities killing five persons.
It also foiled an assassination attempt on a student hostel in Ilorin, the state capital.
The suspects, Ishola Adeyemi and Ismail Rafiu, are from Ibadan, Oyo state.
The suspects on Sunday allegedly attacked Opeyewa Hostel, Eleko area of the metropolis.
Items recovered include 11 iPhones, N30,500, one WiFi device, two new long cutlasses, two pairs of slippers and other personal effects, Command Spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi has said
The criminals allegedly rode on motorcycles into Babanla attacked the Divisional Police Headquarters and raided the market.
The assailants fired sporadically, killing five people, including a police officer, Adejumo Wasiu.
Many residents fled for fears of the attackers.
Also, the Police Command, along with other security personnel, has started manhunt on suspected attackers of Babanla, Ahileri, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident.
Mr Ojo said: “Some bandits invaded Babanla about 12:20pm today, shot dead a police man and four others.
“They also stormed the market and looted foodstuffs before they were repelled by a combined team of security agencies, including vigilantes and local hunters.”
Spokesperson of the command Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said in swift and coordinated response by police operatives, Army personnel, vigilantes, and local hunters repelled the attack, restored order, and initiated a full-scale manhunt for the perpetrators.
She added that Mr Ojo accompanied by the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) had paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to Babanla to evaluate the security situation.
“They met with Oba Yusuf Aliyu Alabi Arojojoye II, the traditional ruler of Babanla. They held high-level discussions aimed at consolidating peace and strengthening inter-agency and community-security collaboration.
The joint security delegation toured key locations in the community — including the market, the Divisional Police Headquarters, and surrounding areas to ensure that stability has been fully restored.
Kwara State Police Command along with local vigilante members have foiled assassination attempt on a student hostel in Ilorin, the state capital.
The suspects, Ishola Adeyemi and Ismail Rafiu, are from Ibadan, Oyo State.
The suspects on Sunday allegedly attacked Opeyewa Hostel, Eleko.
Items recovered from the suspects include 11 iPhones, ₦30,500, one WiFi device, two new long cutlasses, and two pairs of slippers, the Command spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said
Ejire-Adeyemi added: “During preliminary interrogation, the suspects admitted they were invited to Ilorin by one Qudus, alias “Tiny”, a member of the Eye Cult Fraternity, to eliminate a rival cultist. When the targeted killing failed, they resorted to robbing student hostels.
”The suspects, along with the recovered exhibits have been transferred to the Anti-Robbery Section, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), State Headquarters, for further discreet investigation and prosecution.”
“The commissioner of police ordered sustained armed patrols, continuous intelligence gathering, and the deployment of specialised tracking teams. “At the same time, the DSS pledged continuous intelligence support to apprehend all those involved in the attack.
”The command reiterates its commitment, in synergy with sister security agencies, to safeguarding lives and property in all parts of Kwara state.”
The command urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies by providing credible information.
In a statement, Media Aide to Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq, Rafiu Ajakaye said that government “has established immediate security cordon around Babanla, a community following a security breach by some armed criminals.
“The criminals on Friday targeted a police station, attempted to loot a few grocery shops, and a hotel in the community before they were repelled by the security forces and bold members of the community.
“The government commended the Nigerian army, gallant policemen, and community folks for the swift response to the situation.
“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has been in constant touch with the security commanders and local vigilante, has directed sustained security lockdown of the axis to neutralise the threat and ensure public safety.
“While further briefings are awaited, the governor reassures the public that concerted efforts are being made in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser, to cleanse the area of the criminals,” according to a statement.
“He also urges maximum support and asks the people not to panic as security forces conduct their operations in the area.”
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bemoaned the insecurity across the state.
PDP described Governor AbdulRazaq’s recent ‘strategic security meeting’ in Kwara South “as a mockery of the traumatized people of Babanla, Gamu Ahileri, and other communities affected by the unchecked escalating insecurity across the state.”
The PDP in a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Olusola Adewara, said: “What has been happening in communities within Ifelodun Local Government in recent weeks, particularly the tragic incident in Babanla on Friday, where over 100 armed bandits invaded the community market to loot foodstuffs, kill, and abduct residents, including security officers, is unfortunate and deeply disturbing.”
