Panic gripped residents of Karongi town in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State on Sunday, June 9, after suspected armed bandits launched a brutal early-morning attack, killing a vigilante and setting several houses on fire.
The attackers, believed to be members of the notorious ‘Mahmuda’ group, stormed the town around 6am while many community vigilantes were reportedly away – some attending a security training workshop and others traveling to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
For nearly five hours, the bandits operated without challenge, taking advantage of the absence of local defenders. According to local sources, the violence ended only after a joint force of soldiers and vigilantes from neighbouring communities mobilized and pushed the attackers out around 11am.
One vigilante, who was reportedly escorting the army team into the area, lost his life in the clash.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers moved through the community torching makeshift homes and spreading fear among residents. Many villagers were forced to flee into nearby bushes or seek refuge in neighbouring settlements.
Although the Kwara State Police Command said it was unaware of the attack, the Nigerian Army confirmed the incident on Monday. Lieutenant Stephen Nwankwo, spokesperson of the 22 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Ilorin, said troops were alerted and responded to the scene. “Yes, the incident happened. I’m aware one of the vigilante men was killed while some makeshift houses were set ablaze,” Lt Nwankwo confirmed.
The Emir of Yashikira Emirate, Alhaji Umoru Sariki, whose domain includes Karongi, also confirmed the attack. In a statement, he said, “The bandits from the Mahmuda group struck at about 6am on Sunday. They attacked Karongi town in my Emirate. They killed one person and burned many houses in the community.”
He expressed deep concern about the vulnerability of the community and appealed to both the federal government and the Nigerian Army to establish a permanent security base in Karongi or nearby towns to prevent future attacks.
“The absence of our local vigilante men gave these criminals the space to operate freely. It is clear that we need more support from the government to protect our people,” the emir said.
This latest attack adds to growing concerns about rural insecurity in parts of Kwara State, especially in the border areas like Baruten, which shares boundaries with the Republic of Benin. In recent months, several communities in Nigeria’s North Central and North West regions have come under attacks from armed gangs often referred to as bandits.
These groups, mostly operating on motorcycles and heavily armed, are known for kidnapping, extortion, and destruction of farmlands and villages. Security experts have often warned that failure to properly secure rural areas could worsen the country’s food crisis and displace more communities.
Despite several military operations in the northern regions, rural banditry remains a pressing security challenge. The call by traditional rulers like Emir Sariki reflects growing frustration with the slow pace of government response.
For now, residents of Karongi remain shaken, and many are calling for urgent intervention before the bandits strike again.
