Gunmen Kill Three, Abduct 12-Year-Old Girl in Kwara ** Police launch manhunt for attackers
By Bamidele Aremu
Three people were killed and a 12-year-old girl abducted as suspected kidnappers launched multiple overnight attacks on villages in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, police authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
The attacks, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, targeted Mari, Lile, and Aiyetoro Fulani Camp, leaving residents traumatized and calling for urgent government intervention.
According to a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the first assault took place around 1:30 a.m. in Mari village, where a 35-year-old man, Timothy Paul, was shot and killed.
Shortly after, the attackers moved to Lile village and murdered 51-year-old Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu and his 22-year-old son, Abdullahi Muhammad.
L-R: Abdullahi Shehu and his 22-year-old son, Muhammad
“A medical doctor confirmed all three individuals dead,” the police statement said, adding that investigations had commenced and a manhunt had been launched to track down those responsible for the killings.
In a separate but possibly coordinated incident around 3:00 a.m., four armed men invaded Aiyetoro Fulani Camp and abducted a 12-year-old girl, identified as Hassana Abdullahi, daughter of a local resident, Mr. Abdullahi Jowuro.
The Kwara State Police Command said joint tactical teams comprising police operatives, local hunters, and vigilantes have been deployed to comb surrounding bush paths and forests in search of the kidnapped girl.
“The scene of the crime has been secured and documented. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of the abducted girl,” the police noted.
While the motives behind the attacks remain unclear, the killings and abduction have heightened fear in the region, where communities have grown increasingly vulnerable to armed incursions in recent months.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, reiterating their commitment to public safety.
“The Command remains committed to public safety and will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to curb insecurity in the state,” SP Ejire-Adeyemi stated.
