Kwara Community Still Exposed to Bandit Attacks, Monarch Warns

The Owa of Eruku, Oba Olanrewaju Busari, has raised fresh concerns over the vulnerability of his community in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State to recurring bandit attacks.

Speaking on ARISE News Night on Monday following the rescue of 38 abducted residents the monarch said the dense forests surrounding Eruku and linking it to neighbouring states continue to provide easy passage for criminal groups.

According to him, signs of impending trouble had appeared before the latest incident.

“We remain exposed because large forests connect our community to neighboring states and local governments. This allows bandits to move freely. We’ve heard gunshots along the roads, and farmers have been harassed and driven from their farms. Our vigilantes have tried, but the scale of Tuesday’s attack was unprecedented,” he said.

Oba Busari added that the terrain is difficult to police as attackers often blend in with herders.

“They strike and disappear. Local hunters pursue them, but they slip away and return later. They also mix with herders, making it tough to distinguish who is genuine and who is a kidnapper,” he noted.

The monarch thanked federal and state authorities for their swift intervention but stressed the need for a permanent security presence.

“I appreciate President Ahmed Tinubu for deploying soldiers and police, and I thank the Kwara State Government for responding quickly. The Commissioner of Police and the DSS also rose to the occasion,” he said.

He called for long-term measures, including establishing a dedicated military or mobile police base in the area.

“Our community borders Kwara, Ekiti, and Kogi States, making identification difficult. Permanent security personnel can monitor and disrupt these hideouts,” he added.

Oba Busari confirmed he has communicated these needs to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who visited the community and pledged to set up a permanent Forward Operating Base.

He further urged residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity.

“People should be courageous and report unfamiliar movements so authorities can act quickly,” he advised.

On the condition of the rescued victims, he said: “Their spirits are high. Some may still feel weak, but they will recover. I’m grateful the government has taken them to the hospital for proper care.”