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Oba Bayagan abducted in Ifelodun LGA, worsening insecurity across Kwara communities.
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Residents report sudden armed invasion, sparking panic and confusion.
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Abduction follows multiple recent attacks, including church and community kidnappings in Eruku, Isapa, and Patigi.
A traditional ruler in Kwara State, Oba Bayagan, has been abducted by terrorists in the Ifelodun Local Government Area, deepening anxiety over the escalating wave of insecurity sweeping through rural communities in the state.
SaharaReporters gathered that the monarch was kidnapped on Saturday, although full details of the incident were still unclear at the time of filing this report. Residents said the attackers struck suddenly, throwing the entire community into panic and confusion.
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Kwara State has witnessed a troubling surge in violent crimes, with terrorists and armed gangs increasingly targeting villages and worship centres.
Just two weeks ago, gunmen invaded a church in Eruku, Ekiti LGA, abducting worshippers during a service before they were later rescued by security operatives. Days after that incident, another armed group stormed Isapa community in the same axis and kidnapped at least 11 residents, including women and youths.
The abduction of Oba Bayagan has further heightened tension across Ifelodun and neighbouring local government areas as residents fear more coordinated attacks.
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This incident comes on the heels of another reported kidnapping in Manba Village, Patigi LGA, where terrorists stormed the community through the Rogun axis late Friday night. A community source said the attackers arrived around 11 p.m., shooting sporadically as residents fled into the bush for safety.
“The gunmen came through Rogun and headed straight into Manba. They operated freely and took two people away,” the source narrated, noting that surrounding villages are now gripped by fear.
The worsening insecurity has renewed calls for stronger security deployments and community protection measures across Kwara’s vulnerable rural settlements.
