Gunmen killed three villagers and abducted a 12-year-old girl in Kwara. Police confirm violent attacks as Saraki urges urgent action on rising insecurity

Kwara village gunmen attack claimed the lives of three people and led to the abduction of a 12-year-old girl in the early hours of Wednesday, 25 June 2025.

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The incidents occurred in Mari and Lile villages within Lade Ward of Patigi Local Government Area, sparking outrage and renewed fears over growing insecurity in the state.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attacks, stating that armed men stormed the area around 1:30am. Victims included Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, the Peoples Democratic Party chairman in Lade Ward, his son Abdullahi Mohammad, and a resident named Timothy Paul.

The attacks did not stop at the killings. Around 3:00am the same day, four armed men invaded Aiyetoro Fulani Camp in Lile village, kidnapping Hassana Abdullahi, a 12-year-old girl and daughter of Mr Abdullahi Jowuro. Her whereabouts remain unknown.

Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, speaking on behalf of Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo, disclosed that joint tactical teams of officers, vigilantes and hunters have launched operations to comb the surrounding bush and recover the abducted child.

She confirmed that the crime scenes have been documented and secured.

In a separate development, former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki expressed grief over the killing of the PDP ward chairman and his son. In a statement by his aide on local matters, Saraki described the killings 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,” Saraki said. “My thoughts and prayers are with their immediate family and the Patigi community in this difficult time.”

He called on the state government and security agencies to take proactive measures to stem the rising wave of insecurity across Kwara. According to him, the safety of lives and property must remain the highest priority.

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The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements. Investigations into the attacks are ongoing, and authorities have pledged that those responsible will be brought to justice.