Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A fresh wave of terror has swept through Lafiagi, headquarters of Edu Local Government Area in Kwara State, as armed bandits launched a night attack on Monday, June 1, 2026, killing one resident and abducting several others. The attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed parts of the community under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically and sending residents fleeing for safety. The exact number of abducted victims is still being determined as security operatives and local vigilantes continue efforts to assess the situation.
According to accounts from the area, the sound of gunshots echoed through the town as the bandits operated within the community. Many residents were forced to flee their homes, while others remained trapped indoors, terrified by the unfolding violence. The attackers reportedly moved from house to house, selecting their victims before retreating into the surrounding forests. As of the time of filing this report, security authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack, while anxious families await information about the whereabouts of their loved ones.
Lafiagi has witnessed repeated security challenges and kidnapping incidents in recent months. Edu Local Government Area, which shares borders with Niger State, has become one of the most volatile corridors in Kwara North, with criminal gangs exploiting the dense forest networks that criss‑cross the region. In April 2026, bandits invaded Chekugi Community in the Lafiagi Emirate, killing one resident and abducting family members in a deadly midnight attack. In March 2026, gunmen stormed Ndeji community, also within the Lafiagi Emirate, abducting the wife and son of a prominent businessman. Earlier in 2026, a Point‑of‑Sale (POS) operator, popularly known as Yman, was kidnapped in Lafiagi town, further highlighting the deteriorating security situation. The palace of the Emir of Lafiagi was set ablaze by protesting youths in 2025, following a series of abductions and rising cases of kidnapping in the area.
The Monday attack has further heightened tension in Lafiagi, a community that has been repeatedly targeted by armed groups. Residents have expressed frustration over the perceived inability of security agencies to curb the menace, despite repeated appeals to both the state and federal governments. The Kwara State Government has not yet issued a statement on the incident, and attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer for the Kwara State Command were unsuccessful as calls and text messages went unanswered.
The incident comes just days after troops of the Nigerian Army rescued 23 kidnap victims along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kogi State, a clear indication that criminal networks remain active across the North‑Central region. The Lafiagi attack also underscores the growing audacity of bandits who have continued to operate with impunity, despite ongoing military operations in the area. In response to the rising insecurity, the Nigerian Army had earlier concluded plans to launch sustained operations in the forests identified as fortresses of criminal gangs in Kwara North and South Senatorial Districts. However, the attacks have persisted, leaving many communities vulnerable.
As of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, security operatives and local vigilantes were still combing the surrounding bushes in search of the abducted victims. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and no ransom demand has been made public. The families of the missing persons have appealed to the government to intensify rescue efforts and bring the perpetrators to justice. The Kwara State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement, and the injured are reportedly receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.
The attack on Lafiagi is a grim reminder that the security crisis in Kwara North is far from over. For the residents of the ancient town, the night of June 1, 2026, will not be forgotten easily. As one resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Stone Reporters News: "We are tired of living in fear. Every week, there is a new attack. We call for help, but no one comes. When will this end?"
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