Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Panic and mourning have enveloped Gbugbu community in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State following a renewed armed attack that residents say left several people dead and at least one person abducted.
The assault reportedly took place at about 7:45 p.m. on Sunday evening. Witnesses described sustained gunfire erupting from multiple directions, with shots heard across nearly four corners of the town. The intensity of the attack forced families to abandon their homes and seek refuge in nearby bushes and adjoining communities.
A local source who spoke with NupekoTV-Lafiagi confirmed that a man identified as a member of the Dukawa community was killed during the incident. A young girl also sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to the General Hospital, where she is receiving treatment. Medical sources indicated that her condition remains critical.
Residents further reported that a provision shop owner, Rilwan Bello, whose shop is located beside the Ezigbo Store within the community, was abducted by the attackers. His sales assistant was reportedly shot dead at the scene. The abduction has heightened fears that the assailants may demand ransom, a pattern frequently associated with armed groups operating in rural areas.
Community members disclosed that an additional body was later discovered, raising concerns that the death toll could increase as more details emerge. By Monday morning, some families were still searching for missing relatives amid lingering anxiety.
The latest violence marks another episode in a series of security incidents affecting parts of Edu LGA, particularly within the Lafiagi axis. Residents say repeated attacks have eroded confidence in existing security arrangements and intensified calls for reinforced patrols and permanent security deployments.
Local leaders have appealed to state and federal authorities to take immediate steps to restore calm. They argue that sporadic responses after attacks are insufficient and that proactive intelligence gathering and visible security presence are necessary to deter further incursions.
Security agencies had not issued an official statement as of the time of filing this report. However, observers note that rural communities in North Central Nigeria continue to face vulnerabilities linked to armed banditry and cross-border criminal networks that exploit difficult terrain and limited infrastructure.
For many in Gbugbu, the attack represents not only a tragic loss of life but also a deepening sense of uncertainty. Businesses have remained closed, and normal activities disrupted as residents assess the damage and await assurances of protection. Community representatives insist that without decisive intervention, fears of further violence will persist.
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