Officer, Four Others Killed as Gunmen Raid Kwara Community

Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State was thrown into mourning after armed men stormed the town, killing five people, including a police officer, Adejumo Wasiu.

The heavily armed attackers, numbering in their hundreds and riding motorcycles, launched the assault on Friday, targeting the divisional police headquarters and raiding the market. Terrified residents fled to nearby communities for safety.

Kwara State Police Command spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday:

“On 8th August 2025, armed criminals numbering in their hundreds, riding on motorcycles, invaded Babanla community in Ifelodun local government area, attacked the divisional police Headquarters and raided the market.

The assailants fired sporadically, killing five people, including a police officer, Adejumo Wasiu. A swift and coordinated response by Police operatives, Nigeria Army personnel, vigilantes, and local Hunters repelled the attack, restored order, and initiated a full-scale manhunt for the perpetrators.”

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, and the Director of DSS in Kwara State later visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment.

“They met with His Royal Highness, Oba Yusuf Aliyu Alabi Arojojoye II, the traditional ruler of Babanla. They held high-level discussions aimed at consolidating peace and strengthening inter-agency and community-security collaboration,” the statement added.

Security agencies have since intensified armed patrols, deployed tracking teams, and boosted intelligence gathering. The DSS pledged continued intelligence support to track down all those involved.

“The command reiterates its unwavering commitment, in synergy with sister security agencies, to safeguarding lives and property in all parts of Kwara State. Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies by providing credible information,” the statement said.