Armed bandits on Sunday launched a fresh assault on Share, the headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State, sparking a fierce gun battle with security forces and local forest guards.
Residents who spoke with Chronicles Reporters described a tense atmosphere as heavily armed attackers invaded the town. Soldiers and community forest guards were said to have swiftly engaged the assailants in an effort to prevent them from overrunning the area.
“The situation is frightening. There’s heavy gunfire, and security forces are doing everything possible to push them back,” a local source said.
The attack on Share comes amid a wave of violent incidents across parts of Kwara State.
Earlier on Sunday, suspected terrorists reportedly struck Kakafu community in Patigi Local Government Area, abducting four residents. According to community sources, the gunmen stormed the village in the early hours, firing shots to create panic before taking the victims to an undisclosed location.
The latest incidents followed another attack that occurred less than 24 hours earlier along the Gamji Road checkpoint in Gbugbu. Armed bandits reportedly ambushed vigilantes and security personnel stationed at the checkpoint.
During the confrontation, at least one soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while a vigilante officer suffered a serious head injury. Both injured personnel were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Residents across Kwara North and Kwara South senatorial districts have expressed growing concern over the persistent insecurity in the region. Communities in both zones have faced repeated kidnappings, ambushes, and attacks in recent months, intensifying fears about the deteriorating security situation.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the latest incidents as efforts to restore calm continue.