Residents of Oreke town in Kwara State's Ifelodun Local Government Area were thrown into a fresh wave of panic and chaos on the evening of Monday, December 15, 2025. Suspected bandits launched another deadly assault on the community, killing two young men and sending families scrambling for safety.
Renewed Fear After Brief Return
The latest violence struck just weeks after inhabitants had cautiously returned to their homes. They had been encouraged by assurances from government authorities and security agencies that the area was now secure following previous attacks. According to local sources, the assailants struck suddenly, shattering the fragile sense of normalcy that was beginning to return to Oreke.
A resident, who spoke anonymously due to fear, described the renewed trauma. "People came back because we were told the town was now safe. Now, after Monday’s attack, everyone is afraid again. Families are packing their things and leaving," the source revealed. Women and children were reportedly seen fleeing to neighbouring towns and villages, with many too terrified to sleep in their own homes.
Livelihoods Crippled by Persistent Insecurity
Oreke and several other communities in Ifelodun LGA have endured repeated attacks in recent months. This persistent insecurity has severely disrupted daily life, farming, and small-scale commerce. The economic impact has been particularly devastating for the agricultural sector, which is the lifeblood of the region.
Investigations reveal that many farmers from Ifelodun, Ekiti, Lafiagi, and Patigi local government areas have been forced to abandon their farmlands. Faced with life-threatening risks, they have relocated to the state capital, Ilorin, where they now survive as commercial motorcycle (okada) riders.
Musa, a rice farmer from Lafiagi, shared his harrowing experience: "Last year, we were attacked twice on our farm. They came with guns and asked for money. Some farmers were beaten, others ran into the bush. Since then, I have not returned to my farmland. That is why I came to Ilorin to do okada."
Urgent Calls for Sustainable Security Measures
Another farmer from Ifelodun, Mr Oladipo, described farming in rural Kwara as a dangerous gamble. "We used to go to the farm as early as 6am, but now nobody dares. Once you hear gunshots or see strange faces, everyone runs," he lamented.
The repeated attacks, despite official promises of improved security, have eroded community trust. Residents and farmers are now issuing renewed and urgent appeals to the Kwara State government and security agencies. They are demanding the deployment of sustained and effective security measures to protect lives, farmlands, and communities. There is a growing warning that continued violence will deepen displacement, hunger, and economic hardship across the state.
