The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the death of 12 people following a violent attack by armed bandits in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the attack took place at about 7:00 am in the Ogba-Ayo area of the town. Armed men stormed the community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
“A combined team of police operatives and members of the National Forest Security Service responded swiftly to the scene, where they discovered 12 lifeless bodies of vigilante members, including the Baale of Ogba-Ayo,” the statement read.
The victims, who were members of the local vigilante group, reportedly sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Four other persons who were injured during the attack were rushed to the hospital for treatment. The remains of the deceased were later evacuated by the authorities.
The attack has sent shockwaves across the state, especially in Ifelodun LGA, where communities have been raising concerns about rising insecurity in recent months.
The Baale (community leader) of Ogba-Ayo, one of the victims, was believed to have been targeted due to his active role in local security efforts. His death, alongside those of the vigilantes, has left the community in mourning.
Police say efforts to apprehend the attackers are ongoing. The command, in collaboration with the military and the National Forest Security Service, has launched a manhunt to track down the perpetrators.
SP Ejire-Adeyemi assured the public that justice would be served, and that all those responsible for the attack would be brought to book.
“Our officers are working around the clock to ensure that those behind this terrible act are arrested and prosecuted. We urge members of the public to remain calm and assist with useful information,” the statement added.
This is the second major violent incident in the area in recent weeks. Earlier in the year, there were reports of sporadic clashes between suspected herders and local farmers in nearby communities, raising fears of worsening security in the zone.
The Kwara State Government had earlier announced the relocation of a planned medical outreach from Oke-Ode to Omupo, also in Ifelodun LGA, citing security concerns.
With the latest attack, residents are now calling for increased government presence and better security infrastructure in rural areas. Community leaders have also renewed their calls for improved support for vigilante groups, who often serve as the first line of defence in remote villages.
As of the time of this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and investigations are ongoing.
