SaharaReporters had learnt the terrorists, heavily armed and dressed in military camouflage, launched the deadly attack after Isha’I prayer on Monday.
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed two deadly incidents that unfolded in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas, which have left the region reeling with grief and concern.
SaharaReporters had reported that no fewer than six people were killed on Monday evening by a group of terrorists at Ilesha Baruba in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
SaharaReporters had learnt the terrorists, heavily armed and dressed in military camouflage, launched the deadly attack after Isha’I prayer on Monday.
The assailants, according to eyewitnesses, stormed the town through the highway that links the town to the state capital on motorcycles with several sophisticated weapons.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the first incident occurred around 9:30PM, when 10 armed men stormed the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park.
The gunmen opened fire indiscriminately at civilians gathered at a nearby relaxation spot, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including Alhaji Ja'awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu, and three others whose identities are yet to be confirmed.
"The situation was chaotic, as the gunmen launched an attack without warning. Six lives were tragically lost, and two others were seriously wounded," said SP Ejire-Adeyemi.
"The deceased have been deposited at the Ilesha Baruba Morgue for autopsy, while the injured are currently receiving medical treatment. Police have initiated a full investigation into the attack, with enhanced security measures already in place to apprehend those responsible."
In a related development earlier on the same day, a vigilante group from Kemanji, conducting a routine patrol within the Kainji National Park area, encountered a group of suspected bandits.
A gun battle ensued, and three of the bandits were fatally wounded. Tragically, one vigilante member, Yusuf Samba, succumbed to gunshot wounds during the exchange.
“The bravery of the vigilante group was commendable, but unfortunately, we lost one of our own. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Yusuf Samba," SP Ejire-Adeyemi stated.
"In the course of ongoing investigations, police arrested an informant who confessed to collaborating with the bandit network.
This individual’s cooperation is expected to be instrumental in the investigation’s progress.
"Our investigation has yielded a significant breakthrough with the arrest of this informant, whose confession has added considerable value to our understanding of the criminal network," she said.
"We are committed to ensuring that all perpetrators face the full force of the law."
The Kwara State Police Command has assured residents of Ilesha Baruba, Kemanji, and surrounding areas that full security measures have been activated, including tactical teams, enhanced surveillance, and intelligence-driven operations aimed at quelling criminal activities and restoring peace to the affected regions.
"We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. Anyone found aiding or abetting criminals will face the consequences of their actions," Ejire-Adeyemi added.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the lifeless bodies of the victims were seen lying in pools of their blood, as wailing filled the background.
The gruesome footage captured the aftermath of what residents described as a “terror operation.”
One of the eyewitnesses, Umar Faruq, who narrowly escaped the attack, told SaharaReporters that the gunmen appeared organised and deliberate in their mission.
“They came in soldier uniforms. At first, we thought they were here for security patrol, but within minutes, they opened fire on innocent people. It was like a war scene. People were screaming, running for their lives,” he recounted.
The traditional titleholder of the area, Turaki of Ilesha Baruba, who also confirmed the incident, condemned the killings and described the attack as a direct assault on the peace and sovereignty of the community.
