Fear and tension are growing in parts of Kwara State following the killing of a farmer by suspected bandits in a rural community, adding to a series of recent attacks in the area.
The incident occurred on Friday in Wodata community, located near Zambufu, and has once again drawn attention to the worsening security situation in the northern part of the state.
According to local sources, the victim, identified simply as Amos, was attacked while working on his farm during Jummat prayer time. He was said to have been harvesting cassava alongside his brother and other workers when the gunmen struck.
A resident who spoke about the incident said the attackers appeared suddenly, causing panic among those on the farm.
“Amos was on top of a tractor while others were loading cassava,” the source explained. “Immediately the attackers were sighted, those on the ground fled for safety.”
The witness added that Amos was unable to escape quickly because of his position on the tractor.
“Before he could come down, he was shot in the abdomen,” the source said.
After the shooting, Amos was rushed to a nearby health centre for urgent treatment. Due to the severity of his injury, he was later referred to a hospital in Ilorin for more advanced care.
However, he did not survive the journey.
“Sadly, he died on the way due to excessive blood loss,” the source said.
His death has left the Wodata community in shock, with residents expressing fear over their safety, especially those who depend on farming for their livelihood.
As of the time this report was filed, efforts to get official confirmation or response from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful.
The lack of immediate response has raised concerns among residents, who say they need reassurance and stronger security presence in their communities.
Local leaders have reportedly called on security agencies to increase patrols and respond quickly to distress calls, especially in remote farming areas where attacks often occur without warning.
The killing of Amos is not an isolated incident. It comes just days after another deadly attack in the same region.
In Nuku village, located in Kaiama Local Government Area, suspected bandits reportedly killed five forest guards in a separate assault. That incident had already heightened fear among residents of Kwara North, many of whom now worry that the violence is spreading.
Kwara State, once considered relatively peaceful compared to other parts of northern Nigeria, has in recent years seen a rise in attacks linked to armed groups. These groups, often referred to as bandits, are known for targeting rural communities, farms, and highways.
They frequently carry out kidnappings, killings, and robbery, taking advantage of weak security presence in remote areas.
The latest attack highlights the growing danger faced by farmers, who are increasingly becoming targets of violence.
Agriculture remains a major source of income for many families in Kwara North. Crops such as cassava, maize, and yam are widely cultivated, and farming activities often require long hours in isolated fields.
With rising insecurity, many farmers now fear going to their farms, especially during early morning or late afternoon hours.
Some residents say they have already started reducing farm activities or abandoning distant farmlands altogether. This situation could affect food production and local economies if it continues.
A community member said, “People are afraid. If farmers cannot go to their farms, how will they feed their families?”
Residents and community leaders are calling on both the state and federal governments to take urgent steps to address the situation.
They are asking for increased deployment of security personnel, better intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration between local vigilante groups and formal security agencies.
The situation in Kwara North reflects a broader challenge facing many parts of Nigeria, where rural communities continue to struggle with insecurity.
While security agencies have recorded successes in some areas, attacks like the one in Wodata show that much work remains to be done.
For now, residents of the affected communities remain on edge, mourning the loss of Amos and hoping that stronger action will be taken to prevent further tragedies.
As one local resident put it, “We just want to feel safe again.”