One killed, homes razed as suspected vigilantes raid fulani settlements in Kwara

Tension gripped Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on June 12 after a violent raid by suspected vigilantes and local hunters left at least one person dead and several homes in flames.

The attack targeted Fulani communities in what is believed to be a reprisal effort against alleged kidnapping activities in the area.

According to reports from security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagozola Makama, who cited police sources, the incident occurred around 3:40 p.m. when more than 100 armed individuals descended on the villages of Latayi, Onashi, and Rogua.

During the raid, they allegedly torched residential houses and food storage facilities, killed an unidentified Fulani man, and reportedly carted away N1 million in cash along with six motorcycles.

“The suspects, numbering about 100, allegedly invaded the Fulani settlements in Latayi, Onashi and Rogua villages under the guise of fighting kidnapping, setting houses and food stores on fire, killing a Fulani man (yet to be identified), and making away with N1 million in cash and six motorcycles,” police sources were quoted as saying.

In response to the unrest, a combined team of military personnel, police officers, and civil defence operatives has been deployed to the area to prevent further violence and forestall possible reprisals.

“The sources said that a team of military, police and civil defence personnel had been deployed to keep the peace and avert a reprisal attack, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the rogue vigilante suspects and recover the stolen items.”