By Omowumi Omotosho
A tragic wave of violence has swept through Lile village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, as suspected bandits fatally shot a prominent businessman and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Lade Ward One leader, Alhaji Abdullahi Kpotun, along with his son during a botched abduction on Tuesday night.
Sources from the community said the armed attackers invaded Kpotun’s home under the cover of darkness. What began as an attempted kidnapping quickly escalated into bloodshed, resulting in the deaths of the PDP stalwart and his son.
Eyewitnesses further disclosed that the gunmen didn’t limit their assault to Kpotun’s household, suggesting a broader reign of terror in the village.
“It was not only his family the bandits attacked last night, they attacked another family and killed someone there too,” a source said.
In the wake of the incident, former Nigeria Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the brutal killings. In a statement released by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki condemned the attack as “barbaric, painful, and unacceptable.”
“This is a devastating loss. I am heartbroken by the news of the gruesome killing of Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu Kpotun and his son. My thoughts and prayers are with their immediate family and the Patigi community in this difficult time,” Saraki said.
Saraki offered prayers for the souls of the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to grant them Aljanah Firdaus and to comfort their grieving family and community.
He further urged the Kwara State Government and security agencies to act urgently and decisively to tackle the alarming rise in insecurity in the state.
“This rising tide of insecurity in our dear state must not be allowed to continue. Government and security agencies must act swiftly and decisively to prevent further tragedies,” he added.
