Fresh kidnap attempt claims three lives in Kwara

Another kidnap incident has claimed the lives of three persons in Okuta community of Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara state.

One of the community leaders, who pleaded that his name should not be in print who confirmed the incident said that the victims include a kidnap victim, a vigilante and a suspected Fulani kidnapper, who reportedly died during a gun battle with vigilantes.

It was reliably gathered that the deadly attack took place on Sunday night, June 22, 2025, around 10:00 pm, when a group of heavily armed men stormed the residence of one Alhaji Dauda Ismaila.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen who fired several shots into the air, creating panic and drawing the attention of neighbours and passersby, eventually  succeeded in kidnapping Alhaji Dauda and fled into the surrounding bush.

The source narrated that,”In response, the local vigilantes immediately launched a pursuit operation, and caught up with the kidnappers in the forest, leading to a fierce gun battle.

“During the exchange of gunfire, one of the kidnappers was shot and killed. Sadly, Alhaji Dauda also lost his life in the crossfire, while a member of the vigilante group, who was part of the rescue effort, was also killed in the operation,”

Security sources in the community also confirmed that “based on the physical appearance of the kidnapper who was killed, he is suspected to be of Fulani origin, just as the task force has continued to pursue the remaining kidnappers,” assuring the public that no effort will be spared in bringing them to justice.

The deceased Alhaji Dauda Ismaila was a well-known multi-businessman and farmer who contributed greatly to the local economy.

His death is considered a great loss to the Okuta community, where he was respected for his hard work and generosity.

The latest bloody incident has added to a growing list of kidnapping cases in the area. On May 31st, 2025, just three weeks ago, another victim was kidnapped in Shiya community, a town in Okuta district.

The victim was only released after paying a huge ransom.

Earlier this year, on February 14th, 2025, suspected kidnappers attempted to abduct Alhaji Fatai Olowogbo. Though the kidnapping was unsuccessful, he was shot during the attack and later died from his injuries.

Residents of Okuta say these kidnappings have become a troubling routine, with incidents happening roughly every three weeks to one month. The ongoing threat has left many families in fear, and there are growing calls for government intervention.

Community leaders are urging both state and Federal authorities to strengthen security in the area and put an end to the disturbing trend, as the people of Okuta remain in mourning, hoping for peace and justice.

Several efforts made to the Kwara state police command to confirm the incident didn’t yield any result as the Police Public Relations Officer,Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi did not receive several calls to her line .