A newly emerging terrorist group, known as Mahmuda, has struck again—this time killing three villagers in a brutal early morning attack on Duruma village, located in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State. The attack happened on Tuesday, June 3, while local hunters who usually help with community security were away in Ilorin for weapons training under the newly approved National Forest Guard scheme.
The group, reportedly taking advantage of the absence of these local hunters, carried out the killings despite the presence of military personnel recently deployed to the area to combat rising insecurity.
Local sources said the three victims were buried immediately by the community. “Our local hunters are in Ilorin for training, so Mahmuda terrorists used their absence to attack the areas they used to guard. The soldiers came later, but the attackers had already fled,” a local resident said under anonymity.
This is not the first time the group has caused havoc in the region. Just a week ago, they reportedly set fire to a farm settlement in the same area. Communities in both Baruten and Kaiama LGAs of Kwara State have continued to live in fear, as Mahmuda terrorists are said to still be active in several villages, including Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, and Nanu.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had earlier visited the affected areas and supported local hunters with 25 motorcycles to aid their logistics. Also, following a visit by the Chief of Army Staff in April, soldiers were deployed to flush out the terrorists, leading to the arrest of 12 suspects. However, locals say the terrorists never fully left the forests.
Worryingly, the influence of Mahmuda appears to be spreading beyond Kwara. Reports indicate that the group has taken control of villages in Babana and Wawa districts in Borgu Local Government Area of neighbouring Niger State. These areas are close to Kainji Lake National Park, a region now seen as a growing hotspot for insurgent activities.
Residents fear that if urgent steps are not taken, their communities may fall completely under terrorist control, as witnessed in parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states.
