A video released by police officers deployed to Owa-Onire in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State shows the town completely deserted following repeated attacks by armed groups and kidnappers. The footage, shared by NPO Reports, captures officers patrolling the community and documenting how incessant bandit attacks have forced all residents to flee.
In the video, officers are seen moving through the town with no residents in sight. Expressing shock at the extent of the displacement, one officer remarked, “All residents have left; there is nobody here except goats.” Another officer added, “This is my first time seeing a town abandoned by residents.” The video shows empty residential buildings, closed shops, and the deserted palace of the traditional ruler.
Police operation and context
The officers were deployed as part of a security operation involving police tactical units, including the Mobile Police Force and anti-kidnapping squads, across forested areas in Ifelodun, Isin, Oke-Ero, and Ekiti local government areas. In another video shared days earlier, security personnel encountered only one resident, identified as Lekan, during a visit by senior police officers. The latest video indicates that Lekan may have also fled. Community sources said the traditional ruler of Owa-Onire had been kidnapped.
Related attacks in Kwara
There are growing concerns over insecurity in many parts of Kwara South and Kwara North. PREMIUM TIMES recently reported that the traditional ruler of Oloruntele in Ifelodun Local Government Area spent nearly two months in captivity following his abduction in April. The newspaper also reported that the traditional ruler of Olayinka community, Salman Aweda, was allegedly killed by kidnappers while community members were making efforts to secure his release.
On 12 June, PREMIUM TIMES reported coordinated attacks on Gaa-Oke Abba and Gaa-Alla communities in Isin Local Government Area and Famole Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area. Several residents were abducted during the attacks, while one person was reportedly killed. Earlier this month, a primary school teacher, Shina Adeoye, was abducted along the Obbo-Ile-Eruku Road in Ekiti Local Government Area, further raising concerns about safety along major roads in the state.
Growing displacement concerns
Residents and community leaders have repeatedly warned that insecurity is forcing people to abandon their homes and farmlands in several rural communities. Local sources cited by community groups have claimed that dozens of settlements across Ifelodun and neighbouring local government areas have been displaced due to kidnappings and armed attacks. The concerns have also prompted interventions from public officials.
On 25 May, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Abiodun Essiet, advised residents of Kwara and Kogi communities to suspend mountain-top prayer gatherings because of security risks associated with forests and remote locations. Days later, the presidential aide also urged travellers across the North-central region to avoid night journeys and remain vigilant amid reports of increasing attacks along major routes.
Authorities yet to comment
The Kwara State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the reported condition of Owa-Onire community as of the time of filing this report. The latest reports add to concerns over the security situation in parts of Kwara State, where residents continue to call for sustained security operations and measures to enable displaced persons to return to their communities.
