In a series of brazen attacks, communities in Kwara State were thrown into panic as armed bandits carried out multiple kidnappings in Ifelodun Local Government Area. The incidents, which occurred on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, have left families in distress and heightened fears over security in the region.
Farmers Ambushed, Son Makes Daring Escape
The violence began around 6:00 PM. Mallam Garba and his son, Bala, both residents of Ungwan Kambari Ologede in the Idofin Odo-Ashe area, were returning from their farm when they were ambushed by the armed men. The bandits seized both father and son. However, in a twist of fate, the son, Bala, managed to escape from his captors during the attack. His father was not as fortunate and was taken away to an unknown location.
In a separate but related incident on the same day, the bandits also attacked a group transporting a snake bite victim for urgent medical treatment. Miraculously, everyone in that party managed to escape by a whisker, avoiding abduction.
Widowed Mother of Four Kidnapped, N100 Million Ransom Demanded
In a similarly tragic event, the bandits struck again, this time targeting Mrs. Shakirat Atanda, a widowed mother of four children. She was kidnapped while traveling from Igbaja town to Adanla community. Mrs. Atanda was on a routine trip for her charcoal business when the assailants seized her.
Her family has confirmed the grim details to the press. The kidnappers are demanding a colossal ransom of 100 million Naira (N100m) for her safe release. This exorbitant demand has placed an unimaginable burden on her grieving family, who are pleading for her safe return.
Mounting Security Concerns in Kwara State
These coordinated attacks in Ifelodun LGA underscore a growing and disturbing trend of banditry creeping into parts of Kwara State. The audacity of the kidnappers, operating in the early evening and targeting ordinary citizens going about their livelihoods, points to a severe security challenge.
The abduction of a widow responsible for four children and the attack on farmers highlight the economic and social devastation wrought by such crimes. Local communities are now living in heightened fear, and there is an urgent call for security agencies to intensify patrols and response mechanisms in vulnerable rural areas to prevent further incidents.
