Communities in Kwara State have been thrown into fear after unidentified gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted a former Ward Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a Catholic priest in two separate attacks. The incidents occurred in the early hours of Thursday in Baruten Local Government Area, a region that has witnessed occasional cases of banditry and cross-border criminal activities due to its proximity to Nigeria’s border with Benin Republic.
One of the victims, Abubakar Sise, a former chairman of Boriya–Shiya Ward, was taken from his home by armed men who invaded the compound around midnight. The assailants reportedly shot into the air several times to scare residents before gaining access to the house.
The motive of the attackers is still unclear, but locals believe the act was carried out by kidnappers who have continued to terrorise rural communities in the northern part of Kwara.
According to residents, the gunmen arrived quietly but soon announced their presence with multiple gunshots. The shooting forced people indoors as they feared for their lives. It was during this period that one of Sise’s sons, who was returning home late, walked into the gang.
At gunpoint, the attackers reportedly ordered the young man to call his father. Believing his family was in danger, Sise opened the door. The kidnappers then entered the house, seized him and left without harming other members of the family.
By morning, villagers discovered several bullet shells and live ammunition scattered around the compound, confirming that the gang had fired many shots to intimidate the community and discourage any resistance.
Residents described the incident as brief but frightening, explaining that the entire operation lasted only a few minutes before the kidnappers disappeared into the night.
The local vigilante group in Boriya was alerted shortly after the incident. Vigilante members immediately began combing the nearby bushes and pathways in search of the kidnappers. However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no breakthrough, and Sise’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Vigilante groups play a crucial role in rural security across Kwara and other northern states, where police presence is often limited. Though they lack sophisticated weapons, they are usually the first responders in such emergencies and work closely with communities to track criminal activities.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said on Friday afternoon that he was not yet aware of the incident but promised to look into it immediately. He assured residents that the police would investigate and work to ensure the safe rescue of the victim.
Adekimi also urged the public to remain calm and provide useful information that could help security agencies track the attackers.
In a separate incident that same night, a Catholic priest whose identity had not been released at the time of reporting was abducted in another part of Kwara. Although details were still emerging, church officials confirmed that the priest was taken from his residence by armed men.
The kidnapping of religious leaders has become more common in recent years, especially in the North Central and North West regions. Priests, pastors and imams have been targeted by gangs seeking ransom, causing fear among religious communities and forcing some churches and mosques to increase security measures.
Kwara State, often seen as one of the more peaceful states in the North Central zone, has experienced a rise in criminal activities in recent times. Kidnapping for ransom, farm invasion, robbery and communal clashes have increasingly threatened rural communities.
Across Nigeria, kidnapping has become a major national concern. From Zamfara to Niger, Kaduna to Kogi, and now Kwara, kidnapping gangs have exploited weak policing, porous borders and harsh economic conditions to expand their operations.
Residents of Boriya and nearby communities have called on the Kwara State Government and security agencies to take urgent action to prevent more attacks. Many villagers fear that if kidnappers continue to operate freely, more people could be targeted.
Community leaders have also appealed for more patrols, better coordination between police and vigilantes, and the deployment of additional security personnel to border areas.
