Suspected bandits riding on motorcycles stormed Gada Oli village in Kwara State late Saturday night, causing panic among residents and looting several phone shops.
Gada Oli is a small community located near Wawa and not far from Woro, in the northern part of Kwara State. The area is largely rural, with farming and small-scale trading as the main sources of income for residents.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers entered the village on motorcycles and began firing shots into the air. The gunshots forced residents to run for safety.
“They entered the community on motorbikes and started shooting in the air to chase people away,” one resident said. “After people ran, they entered phone stores and took phones.”
Community members said the gunmen targeted shops that sell mobile phones and accessories. After scaring people away, they reportedly broke into the stores and carted away several mobile devices.
Fortunately, no deaths or injuries were recorded during the raid. Residents said the attack lasted for a short period before the gunmen left the village.
Although Kwara State has been relatively calmer compared to some northern states, there have been growing concerns about armed attacks in border communities. In recent years, banditry has spread across parts of North Central and North West Nigeria.
Bandits often move on motorcycles, which makes it easier for them to access rural communities and escape quickly. They usually target villages with limited security presence.
The attack on Gada Oli has raised fresh concerns among residents in nearby communities. Many are calling for increased security patrols to prevent future incidents.
Residents have appealed to security agencies to strengthen their presence in the area. Some community leaders said regular patrols and closer monitoring of rural roads could help reduce such attacks.
Kwara State is located in Nigeria’s North Central region and shares boundaries with states that have recorded cases of banditry and kidnapping. Observers say criminal groups sometimes move across state borders to avoid arrest.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the state police command. However, residents say they have reported the incident to security authorities.
Many villagers have expressed relief that no lives were lost. Still, they worry that such attacks could happen again if stronger measures are not taken.
For now, normal activities have resumed in Gada Oli, but fear remains among residents who are hoping for better protection in the days ahead.
