Suspected bandits have killed one person and abducted two women during an attack on a Fulani settlement in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attack occurred on Monday night in the Sodo/Sawmill area on the outskirts of the town, causing panic among residents.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen stormed the settlement around 8 p.m., firing sporadically as residents fled for safety.
Sources in the community disclosed that the attackers were believed to be targeting a prominent Fulani leader, identified as the Ardo of the area. However, they were unable to locate him during the operation.
The gunmen subsequently abducted two women, said to be wives of the Fulani leader, before escaping into a nearby forest.
A resident was also reportedly shot dead during the attack.
Security personnel were mobilised to the area following distress calls, while military troops reportedly engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said one person was killed while two women, aged 25 and 35, were abducted.
He explained that preliminary investigations indicated the attackers had specifically targeted the Fulani leader but failed to capture him.
According to the police commissioner, security agencies have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are currently tracking their movements.
The latest attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in Edu and other parts of Kwara North, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to curb criminal activities and protect vulnerable communities.
