By Bamidele Aremu
A deadly raid on Fulani settlements in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State has left at least one person dead and several homes destroyed, following an alleged attack by a group of vigilantes and local hunters.
The attack which reportedly took place on Thursday around 3:40 p.m, targeted the villages of Latayi, Onashi, and Rogua.
According to a security update posted on Friday by security expert Zagazola Makama via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the armed assailants estimated to number over 100 invaded the communities under the guise of confronting criminal elements allegedly involved in kidnapping activities in the area.
Witnesses and local reports indicate that the attackers unleashed chaos as they stormed the villages, setting fire to residential buildings and food storage facilities.
During the raid, an unidentified Fulani man was killed, while several others were reportedly injured or displaced. The attackers also looted valuables, carting away an estimated N1 million in cash along with six motorcycles belonging to residents.
“The attackers reportedly set houses and food storage facilities on fire, killed a yet-to-be-identified Fulani man, and looted property including N1 million in cash and six motorcycles,” Makama wrote.
In the aftermath of the incident, a combined security team comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was swiftly deployed to the affected communities to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of residents.
Security operatives have reportedly launched an investigation into the incident, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind the attack. Authorities also confirmed ongoing operations aimed at recovering the stolen money and motorcycles.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Kwara State Police Command proved unsuccessful as the command’s spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, did not respond to multiple calls placed to her mobile line on Saturday morning.
A text message sent to her, which reads: “Good morning Ma, I’m calling from National Pilot. There is a reported case of local vigilantes invading a Fulani settlement in Patigi Local Government, killing one and looting of properties. What’s Kwara State Police Command’s reaction to this Ma?” remained unreplied as of the time of filing this report
