PeakNews Online
Ilorin/ Ibadan, Sept. 11, 2025 – States across Nigeria’s South-West have heightened security measures following a wave of deadly attacks in neighbouring Kwara State that left scores of residents, vigilantes, and traditional rulers dead in recent weeks.
Security chiefs in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo confirmed on Thursday that they had activated containment strategies to prevent the infiltration of fleeing bandits into their territories. This followed intelligence reports that armed groups behind the Kwara killings were attempting to push further south.
A senior security source reveealed that “an intelligence report detailing the movement of the bandits has been escalated to the highest levels of government,” with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, leading a coordinated response.
Bloody trail in Kwara
Kwara has been gripped by successive attacks since late September. On September 29, suspected terrorists ambushed members of a local forest guard unit in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, killing 12, including a traditional chief. Four others were left critically wounded.
Just days earlier, on September 23, bandits stormed Maganiko Ndanangi in Edu Local Government, abducting a woman and a teenage girl. Then on Sunday, September 28, fresh bloodshed hit Oke-Ode again, when 15 vigilantes, a traditional ruler, and several residents were slain in another raid. Five villagers were kidnapped during the attack, plunging the community into mourning.
In Patigi and Lafiagi areas, the gunmen also carried out coordinated raids, killing a pregnant woman and abducting at least 18 residents. The wave of assaults has forced thousands of villagers to flee to Ilorin and nearby towns.
AbdulRazaq appeals for calm
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who visited Oke-Ode on Thursday, described the killings as “devastating and unacceptable.” He condoled with grieving families and assured residents of stronger military presence.
“We have come to commiserate with the community over the attacks. It is also commendable that the security forces, forest guards, and vigilantes repelled them and restored peace back to the community,” the governor said, flanked by top security officials, including Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo, the state DSS director, and NSCDC Commandant Umar Mohammed.
AbdulRazaq admitted that “a lot more must be done to protect people and their properties” and pledged continued collaboration with federal forces.
Air Force jets deployed
In response to the mounting crisis, the Nigerian Air Force deployed fighter aircraft to provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) support to ground troops in Kwara. Officials said this was aimed at detecting and neutralising the attackers’ movements across forests and rural corridors.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains tense. Residents of affected LGAs — Ifelodun, Irepodun, Isin, Ekiti, Edu, and Patigi — have expressed fear that more attacks could be imminent.
South-West on high alert
In neighbouring Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states, security agencies have been placed on red alert. Patrols have been reinforced along border communities, while intelligence units are working to intercept any bandits fleeing Kwara.
Top government and military officials said that the South-West states were determined to prevent a spillover of the violence. “We are monitoring every movement and strengthening community vigilance structures,” a senior Oyo security official said.
