Panic gripped Abudu Community in Oke Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State after suspected bandits launched a late-night raid, beating residents, looting homes, abducting several people and fleeing into the forest.
The attackers, who struck around 11pm on Tuesday, reportedly moved from house to house, speaking different languages as they carted away cash worth millions of naira before dragging victims into the bush.
One mother, who was kidnapped alongside three of her children, said the gunmen later abandoned her after she suffered serious injuries and could no longer keep up with them.
She said the attackers broke into their home, caught her eldest son after he tried to escape, seized three of her children and ransacked the house.
“They caught my son as he fled, beat him badly, emptied our home of cash and kept attacking me despite my pleas. I was left behind only because I was too injured to continue,” she said, appealing to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and security agencies to rescue her children.
An elderly resident whose children were also kidnapped said the gang smashed their gate, overpowered the family within minutes and stole valuables before taking away five people.
He said the attackers spoke English, Hausa and other languages, adding that some appeared to be Bororo. He also alleged they beat him and sprayed a substance into his eyes before fleeing.
“Please don’t abandon our children. We beg the government and security agencies to bring them home safely,” he pleaded.
Confirming the attack, Ilorin East Local Government Chairman, Lukman Olayinka, said three of the abducted victims were identified as Wasiu, Jamiu and a pregnant woman, Amidah.
He revealed the gunmen also escaped with more than ₦4 million belonging to Wasiu and his mother, proceeds from their charcoal business.
Olayinka said police, DSS operatives, Forest Guards and local vigilantes had launched a joint operation to rescue the victims and track down the kidnappers.
Don’t Miss Out! Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant news updates. Click here to join
READ ALSO:
Police Smash Fake NIN, Voter Card Factory
Police Probe Cops Accused Of Beating Gold Seller Over Digital Scale
