Four residents of Kakafu community in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State are feared kidnapped after suspected bandits attacked the village in the early hours of Sunday.
The attackers reportedly stormed the agrarian settlement around 1:30 am, firing gunshots into the air and causing panic among residents. Witnesses said the armed men operated for several minutes without resistance before whisking away their victims to an unknown destination.
Kakafu is a small farming community located on the outskirts of Patigi town in Kwara State. Like many rural settlements in the area, it has limited security presence, especially at night. Most residents depend on farming and small trading for their livelihood.
A forest guard, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the attack happened during the dark hours when villagers were asleep.
“The incident happened during the dark hours at Kakafu,” he said. “The village is on the outskirts of Patigi, and there are no security personnel who can access the area at that time of the night.”
He explained that the alarm was raised early Sunday morning after the attackers had fled.
“We immediately mobilised to the community. We combed the surrounding bush paths but could not trace the attackers or the victims,” he added.
According to information gathered from residents, one man and three females were abducted. Further checks showed that the three females are a mother and her two daughters.
“They did not kill anyone. They only abducted the four victims and fired sporadically to create fear and confusion among the villagers,” the forest guard said.
Following the attack, residents of Kakafu remain in deep shock. Many families have reportedly fled to nearby communities for safety, while others are staying indoors out of fear.
“People are still in shock,” the forest guard said. “Panic has gripped the community because the assailants are believed to be hiding in nearby villages.”
Kidnapping for ransom has become a growing concern in several parts of Nigeria in recent years. Rural communities are often targeted because of weak security presence and their closeness to forests, which provide hideouts for criminals.
In parts of Kwara State, especially in remote local government areas, residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the activities of armed groups. Farmers in particular have complained of attacks on their farmlands, abductions and threats from suspected bandits.
Patigi Local Government Area shares boundaries with riverine and forested areas, making it difficult for security agencies to monitor every part of the terrain. Community leaders have often called for more patrol teams and security posts to protect villagers.
A resident of Patigi town, who declined to give his name, said the latest attack has increased tension across the area.
“We are afraid because we do not know who will be next,” he said. “People cannot sleep with their two eyes closed anymore.”
The attack has also raised concerns about the safety of women and children in rural communities. The abduction of a mother and her two daughters has left many residents worried about the well-being of families in the area.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command had yet to receive official information about the incident.
“I am not aware of the incident at the moment. Please, I will get back to you as soon as I obtain the necessary details,” she said.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement confirming the attack or announcing any rescue operation.
The latest incident comes at a time of rising tension in parts of Kwara State. In recent weeks, there have been reports that suspected armed groups circulated threat letters to several communities, warning of possible attacks.
Communities mentioned in the reports include Ira, Inaja and Aho in Oyun Local Government Area, as well as Dunshigogo in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The tension increased further after the deadly February 3 assault on Woro town, where reports claimed that more than 200 people were killed and over 100 others abducted. The incident sent shockwaves across the state and led to renewed calls for stronger security measures.
For the people of Kakafu, however, the immediate concern is the safe return of the four kidnapped residents. Families of the victims are said to be in deep distress, waiting anxiously for any news about their loved ones.
Community leaders have appealed to the state government and security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the victims and prevent further attacks.
As fear spreads across Patigi and neighbouring communities, many residents are calling for urgent action to restore peace and confidence in the area. Until then, villagers say they will remain alert, hoping that the dark hours of Sunday will not repeat themselves.