Terrorists Raid Patigi Community in Kwara, Abduct Two Residents

Residents of communities in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State are facing heightened insecurity following a violent raid by armed assailants.

The attackers struck under cover of darkness, abducting two individuals while forcing other villagers to flee their homes.

The incident adds to a growing list of violent episodes affecting the region, where entire settlements have been abandoned in fear of further attacks.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants arrived in the community with firearms, creating panic before seizing their victims.

Following the attack, only a few residents remained, with many hiding or relocating temporarily. The two abducted individuals are still missing, and families are anxious as no communication has been received from the captors.

This assault forms part of a wider trend of kidnappings and raids across Patigi and neighboring communities. Villagers recount repeated attacks by heavily armed gunmen, often on motorcycles, resulting in abductions, destruction of property, and in some cases, loss of lives. Security forces have occasionally intervened, rescuing some victims, but many remain unaccounted for.

Kwara State has experienced a surge in violent incidents over the past year, with scores of people abducted and killed in rural communities. Many villages have become “ghost settlements,” as residents abandon their homes and farmlands due to fear of attacks.

The displacement has disrupted farming, markets, and social life, creating a humanitarian and economic strain on the affected areas.

Community leaders and residents are urging authorities to strengthen security deployment in vulnerable areas like Patigi. The absence of a permanent security presence in remote villages leaves residents exposed, particularly during night raids.

While security forces have had some success in arresting suspects and rescuing victims, these measures have yet to fully restore confidence among local populations.

For families of the abducted, the lack of updates fuels anxiety and despair. Many remain in limbo, uncertain whether their loved ones will be returned safely.

Meanwhile, the looming threat of renewed attacks continues to unsettle the region, with villagers living in constant fear.

The recent raid underscores the urgent need for sustained security operations, proactive intelligence gathering, and protection measures to safeguard vulnerable communities in Patigi and the surrounding areas.