Security forces kill three bandits, rescue businessman in Kwara

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Three suspected bandits were neutralised while a kidnapped victim was rescued after security operatives foiled an attack on Aboki Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday night.

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The attack, which occurred at about 10.15 pm, claimed the life of a resident identified simply as Musa.

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The gunmen had invaded the community and opened fire indiscriminately before abducting a businessman, Tuhkur Sanni.

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A resident, Aliyyu Ahmad, told The PUNCH on Wednesday that the assailants operated for about 15 minutes, forcing residents to flee in different directions as sounds of gunshots rang across the community.

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He said community leaders, including the village head, immediately alerted security agencies through the Kaiama Bokobaru emergency communication platform, prompting a swift response from security personnel.

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According to Ahmad, military personnel and other security operatives mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, leading to the rescue of the abducted businessman.

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He said, “The bandits came into the community shooting sporadically to create fear. People ran in confusion because they could only hear gunshots in the darkness.

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“The military responded immediately after receiving the distress call and engaged them. They were able to rescue the kidnapped victim, although he sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital.

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“From the information available to us, three of the four bandits were neutralised during the operation.”

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Ahmad said the pattern of the attack suggested that the businessman was the primary target, adding that the casualty figure could have been much higher if the entire community had been the focus of the assault.

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He also recalled that Aboki Community suffered a similar attack about 15 years ago when armed men reportedly invaded the area in pursuit of a cattle dealer returning from a livestock market.

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Speaking on the recurring insecurity in Kaiama, Ahmad blamed the attacks on the council’s proximity to the Kainji Lake National Park and the Republic of Benin, saying the vast forest and border routes provide escape paths for criminal groups.

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He appealed to the Federal Government to fast-track the establishment of the recently approved military battalion in Kaiama, saying its deployment would significantly strengthen security in the area.

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He also urged both the federal and state governments to reclaim the forest reserve from criminal elements to enable farmers to return safely to their farmlands and restore economic activities.

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Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said one resident, identified simply as Musa, was killed during the attack, while Tuhkur Sanni was rescued by a joint team of police officers, military personnel and local vigilantes.

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Ojo said, “One Musa, surname not yet known, was shot dead, while one Tuhkur Sanni was kidnapped and later rescued by teams of police, the military and vigilantes.”

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The commissioner added that three of the four suspected attackers were neutralised during the operation.

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