Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Carmen Diego
At least three people have reportedly been killed in a renewed wave of violence along the border corridor between Koro-Ekiti in Kwara State and Egbe in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, heightening fears of expanding bandit activity across communities in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
Local sources identified the victims as members of the Kemberi community, alleging that they were shot by armed bandits late Monday evening, February 23, 2026. The attack is said to have occurred in a border settlement linking Koro-Ekiti and Egbe, areas that serve as economic and social crossroads between Kwara and Kogi States.
Residents described a tense security atmosphere that had already been building earlier in the day, with reports of heavy gunfire between Koro and Eruku. Witnesses said sporadic exchanges of gunshots created panic, forcing traders to shut down markets prematurely and families to retreat indoors. Although the precise sequence of events remains unclear, locals believe the violence escalated into the fatal late-night attack.
The affected area lies near forested terrain, including Ogbe Forest, which community members allege has recently become a suspected operational base for armed groups. Residents claim the dense vegetation and limited road access have enabled criminal elements to establish hideouts and launch cross-border raids with relative ease. Such terrain has historically complicated security patrols, especially in rural border zones where state jurisdictions intersect.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kwara State Police Command nor the Kogi State Police Command has issued an official statement confirming casualty figures or detailing ongoing response measures. However, local vigilante groups have reportedly intensified patrols, while community leaders are calling for a coordinated security operation involving both state authorities and federal forces.
The towns of Koro Ekiti and Egbe are part of a broader interlinked network of rural communities that depend heavily on agriculture and cross-border trade. Eruku, another nearby settlement referenced in residents’ accounts, has also experienced periodic security concerns in recent years. The cross-state boundary often complicates rapid response efforts, as jurisdictional coordination can delay tactical deployment.
Community members expressed growing frustration over what they perceive as insufficient security presence along the border axis. Several residents, speaking on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, said they had repeatedly raised concerns about suspicious movements in and around forest corridors without decisive intervention. They warned that the situation risks deteriorating further if pre-emptive measures are not implemented.
Security analysts note that border communities between Kwara and Kogi States have, in recent years, witnessed intermittent incursions linked to armed banditry and kidnapping. The pattern often involves attackers exploiting forested routes to evade detection before striking isolated settlements. Such attacks typically target civilians for robbery, abduction or reprisal violence, although motives vary and are sometimes intertwined with broader criminal networks.
The alleged use of forest hideouts has become a recurring theme in security assessments across parts of northern and central Nigeria. Forest belts provide cover, logistical advantage and escape corridors for armed groups, particularly where surveillance infrastructure is limited. Authorities in several states have previously launched clearance operations aimed at dismantling such enclaves, though long-term stabilization remains a challenge.
Residents in Koro-Ekiti and Egbe are now urging immediate intervention to prevent additional loss of life. Appeals have been directed at both state governments and federal security agencies to deploy reinforced patrol units, establish forward operating posts and intensify intelligence gathering within suspected flashpoints such as Ogbe Forest. Community leaders argue that without sustained presence, sporadic raids will continue to destabilize the area.
The reported killings have further deepened anxiety in farming settlements already grappling with economic strain. Many farmers are said to be reconsidering access to remote farmlands for fear of ambush. Local traders have also expressed concern that insecurity could disrupt supply chains and reduce commercial activity between Kwara and Kogi border towns.
While awaiting official confirmation, residents continue to monitor developments closely. The absence of an immediate public statement from security agencies has contributed to uncertainty, though observers note that verification processes often precede formal announcements. Authorities are expected to assess the situation, determine casualty figures and outline operational responses in due course.
For now, communities along the Kwara–Kogi border remain on heightened alert, wary of further incursions and calling for decisive action to restore stability in the region.
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