Residents of Gbugbu community in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State were thrown into panic on Sunday night following an alleged invasion by suspected terrorists.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen stormed the community shortly after 8:00 p.m., firing repeatedly into the air and across the town, forcing residents to scamper indoors for safety. The latest attack adds to a growing wave of violent incidents deepening insecurity in parts of the state.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the tense atmosphere during the assault. “As it is now, no confirmation has been made yet regarding the number of casualties or villagers abducted,” the source said. “The bandits stormed the community immediately after Isa’i, shooting non-stop while throwing residents into panic. Everyone is indoors.”
As of press time, efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, for official confirmation and further details were unsuccessful.
The incident has heightened fears across Edu, Patigi, Ifelodun, and Oyun Local Government Areas, where residents have reported a surge in attacks in recent weeks. Only days earlier, suspected terrorists reportedly struck Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, killing several residents and abducting others.
Security forces, however, were said to have repelled another attempted attack in Share, Ifelodun LGA, following a coordinated operation by multiple security agencies.
Amid the rising violence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, last week launched the Joint Task Force Operation Savannah Shield aimed at combating insecurity in Kwara and parts of neighbouring Niger State.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to contain the worsening security situation, as residents across affected communities continue to call for stronger protection and sustained military presence.
