Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Suspected bandits have invaded Eggi Oyo-Ipo Community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting a businessman and an Islamic cleric, while demanding a ransom of N65 million for their release. The heavily armed assailants stormed the community late on Wednesday night, July 15, 2026, before whisking away the two victims to an unknown destination. According to sources familiar with the incident, the kidnappers have already established contact with members of the community and are demanding N50 million for the businessman and N15 million for the Islamic cleric.
The kidnapped businessman, who operates a business centre in Buari but resides in Eggi Oyo-Ipo, was reportedly traced to the community on the night of the attack and abducted alongside the cleric, identified only as "Mallam". A source disclosed that the attackers opened fire on residents, leaving behind casualties before fleeing with the two victims. The matter has been officially reported to the Divisional Police Officer in Ajasse-Ipo for immediate action.
The abduction in Eggi Oyo-Ipo is the latest in a series of attacks that have turned Kwara South into a hotspot for banditry and terrorism. Earlier on Wednesday night, terrorists invaded Wande community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing one person, abducting another resident, and injuring several others. A source who survived the Wande attack described the brutality of the assault, recounting how he was physically assaulted and suffered a serious head injury after being struck with the butt of a gun. "They hit me on the head with the butt of their gun. Blood has been coming out from my head. The person they shot; we are taking him to the hospital in Igbaja. We are on our way," the source said.
Security sources have offered a disturbing explanation for the twin attacks, revealing that the terrorists who struck both communities were believed to be members of a group that had earlier been engaged by security operatives in Yaru town. According to a top security source, security forces had mounted an operation against the terrorists on Wednesday morning in Yaru, forcing them to retreat in the direction of Wande community, where they later carried out the deadly attack. "It was obvious because they pushed them yesterday morning at Yaru again. They ran towards that end," the security source said. The revelation has raised troubling questions about the effectiveness of military tactics in the region, suggesting that the displacement of terrorist groups from one location simply pushes them to strike elsewhere, often with devastating consequences.
Residents say the latest attacks underscore the worsening security situation in Kwara South, where several rural communities have reportedly been deserted as people flee persistent attacks by armed groups. "Kwara South has become a hotspot for bandits, while many communities have been deserted," a source added. The attacks come just weeks after suspected bandits invaded Yaru community in the same local government area in a failed attempt to abduct the traditional ruler, the Oniyaru of Yaru, leaving two residents injured.
The worsening security situation in Kwara South has drawn attention to the growing threat of terrorism in the state, which had previously been considered relatively safe compared to other parts of the North-Central and North-West regions. In November 2025, terrorists attacked the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 others, including a pastor. In February 2026, a devastating attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area left over 170 people dead, prompting President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate deployment of an army battalion to the area. Despite these interventions, attacks have continued, with communities in Ifelodun, Ekiti, and Isin local government areas bearing the brunt of the violence.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Government and the state police command had not issued an official statement on the attacks. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer for Kwara State Command for comment were unsuccessful. The absence of an official response has only deepened the anxiety among residents, who are demanding answers and action from the government. The attacks on Wande and Eggi Oyo-Ipo underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive security strategy that addresses the root causes of banditry and terrorism in Kwara State and protects vulnerable rural communities from further attacks. For now, the people of these communities are left to mourn their dead, tend to their wounded, and hope that the government will finally take decisive action to end the cycle of violence that has gripped their region.
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