Armed bandits on Wednesday night launched another attack on Oba Isin community in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing a forest guard and abducting his wife.
The attack, which reportedly began around 8 p.m., threw the quiet community into fear as residents heard heavy gunfire across different parts of the town. Many people ran out of their homes in search of safety, while others remained trapped indoors as the shooting continued.
Sources in the area said the gunmen stormed the community in large numbers. Although security forces are currently carrying out operations to flush out criminal groups in Kwara South Senatorial District, the attackers were still able to strike.
The forest guard killed in the latest incident is the second casualty linked to recent bandit attacks in the state. Just days earlier, Samuel Omotosho Olawuyi lost his life during a terrorist attack on Koro town in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. His death had already raised serious concerns about the security situation in the area.
Residents of Oba Isin said the sound of sustained gunshots caused panic and confusion. “People were running in different directions. Some of us had to lie flat on the floor inside our homes,” one resident said. The source added that many families fled into nearby bushes or neighbouring communities to escape the attackers.
The wife of the slain forest guard was reportedly taken away by the gunmen during the attack. As of the time of filing this report, her whereabouts remained unknown. Kidnapping for ransom has become a common tactic used by armed groups operating in forested areas across parts of the country.
Kwara State, which was once considered relatively peaceful compared to some other states in the North Central region, has in recent years recorded cases of banditry and kidnapping. Criminal groups are believed to be taking advantage of thick forests and border areas to launch attacks on rural communities.
Security agencies have stepped up efforts to tackle the problem. The Nigerian Army and other security forces have been conducting operations in forest areas within Kwara South to dislodge bandits and restore peace. However, the latest attack shows that the threat is still present.
Forest guards play an important role in supporting security efforts in rural communities. They are often recruited locally to help monitor forest areas and provide information to security agencies. Because of their involvement in tracking criminal activities, they sometimes become targets of armed groups.
Community leaders in Oba Isin have reportedly called for increased security presence in the area. They said the repeated attacks are affecting farming and other daily activities, as many residents now live in fear.
In many rural parts of Nigeria, farming is the main source of income. When attacks occur, farmers are often unable to go to their fields. This not only affects household income but can also lead to food shortages. Kwara South is known for farming activities, and insecurity in the area may have wider economic effects.
The killing of the second forest guard within a short period has added to worries among local security volunteers. Some residents fear that continued attacks may discourage others from supporting efforts to protect their communities.
Across Nigeria, banditry has become a major security challenge, especially in states with large forest areas. Armed groups often raid villages, attack travellers on highways, and abduct people for ransom. The Federal Government has repeatedly promised to strengthen security operations and improve intelligence gathering to curb the menace.
In Kwara, state authorities have also assured residents that efforts are ongoing to tackle insecurity. In previous statements, government officials said they were working closely with security agencies to protect lives and property.
As investigations continue into the latest attack, residents of Oba Isin remain on edge. Many families are said to be staying indoors or seeking temporary shelter in safer areas.
For now, the community mourns the loss of another forest guard who died in the line of duty. The abduction of his wife has further deepened the pain and uncertainty facing the town.
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