Residents of Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised a desperate alarm over what they describe as an escalating wave of killings, kidnappings and bandit attacks after a notorious bandit kingpin allegedly relocated to the community, further worsening an already dire security crisis.
The residents also alleged that community members have been warned against speaking publicly about the deteriorating security situation, even as fresh attacks continue to claim lives and force families to pay crippling ransoms.
Speaking amid renewed violence, one resident painted a grim picture of a community pushed to the brink, revealing that repeated ransom payments had drained families of their life savings while many now live in constant fear of becoming the next victims.
According to the resident, virtually every available resource has been exhausted in desperate attempts to secure the release of abducted relatives, leaving households in severe financial distress.
“We are in serious hardship. Ever since the insecurity worsened in Babanla, all the money we had has been exhausted. We have spent everything. We are only speaking out because this is the truth. We cannot continue like this,” the resident said.
The resident recounted the recent killing of a local vigilante, describing it as another painful reminder of the worsening security situation.
“There was a vigilante in Babanla who died recently. Whether he was killed by gunfire or another attack, he lost his life. Others have also been killed.”
The source disclosed that shortly after residents raised money to secure the freedom of one kidnapped victim, another wave of abductions occurred, forcing families to confront fresh ransom demands.
“We paid ransom for someone who was kidnapped, and before a month had even passed, two more people were abducted and fresh ransoms were demanded. It has become a never-ending cycle.”
According to the resident, the attacks have continued almost without interruption from March through July, leaving the community emotionally, psychologically and financially devastated.
“From March, April, May, June and now July, this has been our reality. We have completely exhausted our resources.”
Holding back tears, the resident appealed to the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government and security agencies to urgently rescue the community before more lives are lost.
“Anyone who still has anything left is only holding onto it because they are trying to stay alive. As I speak, I have tears in my eyes. Please help us. They have killed so many people. Even today, they killed again and kidnapped another person.”
In one of the strongest allegations made, the resident claimed that Babanla had become the operational base for criminal gangs terrorising communities across Kwara North and neighbouring areas.
According to the resident, bandits responsible for attacks on Lafiagi, Patigi and other surrounding communities allegedly launch their operations from Babanla before returning there after carrying out kidnappings, cattle rustling and deadly raids.
“Whenever you hear that bandits have attacked Lafiagi, Patigi or nearby communities, know that they come from Babanla and return there afterwards. Whether they attack villages, farms or rustle cattle, they operate from here.
“Babanla has become the headquarters of the bandits. It is the real headquarters of hardened and notorious bandits. May God save us.”
The latest allegations have intensified concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Kwara North, with residents calling for an immediate and sustained military operation to dismantle the criminal networks allegedly operating in and around Babanla and restore peace to the community.