Bandits Siege Nine Kwara LGAs, Demand Food and Drinks as Ransom
Nine local government areas in Kwara State are under a severe siege by bandits, with kidnappers now demanding food, drinks, and money as ransom for abducted victims. The bandits, who are reportedly herdsmen from Zamfara and Sokoto states, have infiltrated the northern and southern parts of Kwara through Niger State. They operate from thick forests where they have settled for nearly 30 years. Recent attacks have been brutal. In the latest incident in Oke-Ode, at least 11 forest guards and a community leader were killed. The state government has disputed claims that vigilantes were disarmed before the attack. A former state NLC chairman, Emmanuel Ayeoribe, confirmed the new ransom demands, stating, "Today, aside the millions they demand, they have added drinks, foods, etc to their list." This has placed immense financial pressure on families. In response, the state government has […]