Kwara State, once known as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, is now grappling with a wave of violent attacks by bandits and other criminal groups.
In the past nine months, the state has witnessed a surge in killings, abductions, and mass displacement, leaving many communities in fear and despair.
The latest major assault occurred in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, where over 10 people were reportedly killed in a night attack by suspected bandits.
The incident has triggered panic among residents, forcing many to flee their homes, farmlands, and businesses for safety in Ilorin and neighbouring towns.
Local sources said several communities have been deserted, while farmers have abandoned this year’s harvest season due to persistent insecurity.
Residents and community leaders have appealed to both the state and federal governments to deploy more security personnel and take decisive action to curb the rising attacks.
The growing violence has raised concern that Kwara, long admired for its relative peace, is becoming the latest frontline in Nigeria’s worsening rural insecurity crisis.
