By Samuel Adeola
Fear has gripped Babanla and neighbouring communities in Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, after suspected members of the Mahmuda terrorist group launched a deadly weekend raid, killing five people, including a police officer.
Eyewitnesses said over 200 gunmen stormed the area on motorcycles from two directions, firing for nearly two hours.
Among the dead were a Miyetti Allah security commander, his aide, two civilians, and Police Inspector Adejumo Wasiu.
The attackers overran the Babanla Divisional Police Headquarters, seizing weapons before looting the main market, stealing foodstuffs, and abducting an undisclosed number of residents.
Some officers reportedly fled through the station’s rear fence.
At least 3,000 people from Babanla and 15 nearby communities have fled their homes.
Residents described the assault as highly coordinated, noting that fighter jets from the Office of the National Security Adviser killed several attackers.
Arrested suspects have been transferred to Abuja.
Locals urged authorities to sustain aerial and ground surveillance and called on community members to promptly alert security agencies when strangers are spotted.
