Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Residents of Babanla, a community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have raised a desperate alarm over what they describe as an escalating wave of killings, kidnappings and bandit attacks after a notorious bandit kingpin allegedly relocated to the community, further worsening an already dire security crisis. The residents also alleged that community members have been warned against speaking publicly about the deteriorating security situation, even as fresh attacks continue to claim lives and force families to pay crippling ransoms. The latest outcry followed a fresh attack on Monday, July 20, 2026, during which bandits allegedly killed one resident and abducted another, further deepening fear among residents who insist that Babanla has become the operational headquarters of criminal gangs terrorising Igbomina land.
A distressed resident, who spoke in a voice note obtained by SaharaReporters and delivered in the Yoruba language, lamented that people in Babanla were being silenced despite repeated killings and kidnappings. According to the resident, some members of the community discouraged others from speaking publicly about the security crisis, claiming that remaining silent would prevent further attacks. However, the resident insisted that the silence had only emboldened the criminals. "They told us not to say anything about the insecurity in Babanla because of the bandit kingpin who resides in Babanla. Yet they keep killing our people and kidnapping them," the resident said. "Whenever someone is abducted, we must cry out. We must speak up. We cannot remain silent. But some people say that if we keep quiet, everything will be fine. No—it is because of that silence that things have become worse."
The resident described the latest attack as another painful chapter in what has become a prolonged security nightmare for the community. "Today, they killed one person in Babanla and abducted another. Listen carefully—they carried out another attack today. They killed one person and kidnapped another person in Babanla today," the resident said. "May God have mercy on us. May He protect us and fight the battles against us. This is a difficult and bitter battle, but it will not overcome us, in the name of Jesus. Just as our lamps do not go out suddenly, our lives will not be cut short either."
The resident declared that Babanla has become the headquarters of bandits in Igbomina land, alleging that several locations within and around the town now serve as hideouts for armed gangs. "Something terrible has happened to us in Babanla. You all know that Babanla has become the headquarters of bandits in Igbomina land," the resident said. "Babanla is our own town, but it has become a bandits' hideout. Gidan-Dogo has become a bandits' hideout. Baba Sango has become a bandits' hideout. Oke-Atigogo have also become bandits' hideouts. May God have mercy on us."
According to the resident, despite repeated security operations, the bandits always regroup and return to the town. "Despite all the efforts being made, the bandits still keep returning to Babanla. Whenever they leave Babanla, they eventually come back. Whenever they move elsewhere, they return again. Every single day people are being kidnapped in Babanla," the resident said. The resident further stated that whenever bandits attack any community in Igbomina, they retreat to Babanla afterward, making the town the centre of their operations. "Whenever bandits attack anywhere in Igbomina, they usually retreat to Babanla. After carrying out attacks in places like Oro-Agogo and surrounding communities, they always return to Babanla. They even intercept commercial vehicles travelling from Babanla and carry out attacks on the road. There is hardly any bandit," the resident added.
In one of the strongest allegations made, the resident claimed that Babanla had become the operational base for criminal gangs terrorising communities across Kwara North and neighbouring areas. According to the resident, bandits responsible for attacks on Lafiagi, Patigi and other surrounding communities allegedly launch their operations from Babanla before returning there after carrying out kidnappings, cattle rustling and deadly raids. "Whenever you hear that bandits have attacked Lafiagi, Patigi or nearby communities, know that they come from Babanla and return there afterwards. Whether they attack villages, farms or rustle cattle, they operate from here," the resident said. "Babanla has become the headquarters of the bandits. It is the real headquarters of hardened and notorious bandits. May God save us."
The residents also revealed that the community had been pushed to the brink, with repeated ransom payments draining families of their life savings while many now live in constant fear of becoming the next victims. According to the resident, virtually every available resource has been exhausted in desperate attempts to secure the release of abducted relatives, leaving households in severe financial distress. "We are in serious hardship. Ever since the insecurity worsened in Babanla, all the money we had has been exhausted. We have spent everything. We are only speaking out because this is the truth. We cannot continue like this," the resident said.
The resident recounted the recent killing of a local vigilante, describing it as another painful reminder of the worsening security situation. "There was a vigilante in Babanla who died recently. Whether he was killed by gunfire or another attack, he lost his life. Others have also been killed," the resident said. The source disclosed that shortly after residents raised money to secure the freedom of one kidnapped victim, another wave of abductions occurred, forcing families to confront fresh ransom demands. "We paid ransom for someone who was kidnapped, and before a month had even passed, two more people were abducted and fresh ransoms were demanded. It has become a never-ending cycle," the resident said.
According to the resident, the attacks have continued almost without interruption from March through July, leaving the community emotionally, psychologically and financially devastated. "From March, April, May, June and now July, this has been our reality. We have completely exhausted our resources," the resident said. Holding back tears, the resident appealed to the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government and security agencies to urgently rescue the community before more lives are lost. "Anyone who still has anything left is only holding onto it because they are trying to stay alive. As I speak, I have tears in my eyes. Please help us. They have killed so many people. Even today, they killed again and kidnapped another person," the resident said.
The latest allegations have intensified concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Kwara North, with residents calling for an immediate and sustained military operation to dismantle the criminal networks allegedly operating in and around Babanla and restore peace to the community. The Kwara State Government and security agencies have yet to issue an official response to the residents' allegations as of the time of filing this report. The development comes amid a broader pattern of escalating banditry in Kwara South, where communities have endured repeated attacks, kidnappings and displacement. Residents of Babanla have made it clear that they can no longer remain silent, and their plea for help echoes across a region that has increasingly become a hunting ground for armed gangs.
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