Suspected Mahmuda Terrorists Raid Kwara Border Community, Kill One, Burn Homes Admist Sallah Celebration
By Omowumi Omotosho
Amidst the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, armed assailants believed to be affiliated with the dreaded ‘Mahmuda’ gang struck Karongi, a border settlement in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, early Sunday morning. The surprise attack claimed the life of a local vigilante and left several homes in ruins after being set ablaze.
According to reports, the attack occurred between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., as the attackers took advantage of the temporary absence of local security volunteers, many of whom had travelled for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations or were away on training.
Confirming the incident, the Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umoru Sariki, expressed deep concern over the situation. He called on the Federal Government to urgently deploy a permanent military force to the region to prevent future violence and safeguard residents.
“Yes, the bandits from the Mahmuda group struck at about 6am on Sunday. They attacked Karongi town, killed one person and burned many houses. They came at a time when our local vigilantes were not around. We had to mobilize from neighbouring communities to repel them,” the Emir said.
The traditional ruler revealed that while troops were eventually dispatched to respond to the crisis, they had to journey from a far-off base in Chikanda. He urged the government to establish a nearby military outpost to better protect the at-risk communities along the Kwara–Benin Republic border.
“The distance of the Army base is a challenge. If there was a military base near Karongi, the response time would have been faster. We need help urgently,” the Emir added.
Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, spokesperson of the Nigerian Army’s 22 Brigade in Ilorin, confirmed the attack and clarified that the deceased was one of the vigilante members who escorted soldiers into the community.
“Yes, the incident happened. A vigilante who was assisting the soldiers was killed. Some makeshift structures were also burned. When the soldiers arrived, the bandits fled,” he said.
However, till the time of filing this report, the Kwara state police command is yet to comment on the incident.
