Tragedy struck in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on Wednesday as unknown gunmen killed three people, including the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lade Ward and abducted a 12-year-old girl in a nearby Fulani camp.
The victims were identified as Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu Kpotun, his son Abdullahi Muhammad and a resident, Timothy Paul. The killings occurred in the early hours of June 25th in Mari and Lile villages. In a separate attack around 3:00 a.m., four armed men stormed the Aiyetoro Fulani Camp in Lile village and kidnapped 12-year-old Hassana Abdullahi.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incidents in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi. The police said the crime scenes have been secured and joint security teams, including local hunters and vigilantes, have been deployed to track the attackers and rescue the abducted girl.
Reacting to the incident, former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, condemned the attacks, describing them as “barbaric and heartbreaking.” He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and the Patigi community, and urged security agencies and the Kwara State Government to take urgent steps to curb rising insecurity in the state.
Investigations are ongoing and the police have assured residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property while urging the public to report any suspicious activities.