Tragedy struck in the early hours of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, as unknown gunmen launched separate deadly attacks in Mari and Lile villages, killing three persons, including a ward chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and abducted a young girl from a Fulani settlement.
According to an official statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adekimi Ojo, the two violent incidents occurred around 1:30 am and 3:00 am respectively.
In the first incident, armed men stormed Mari village and Lile village under Lade Ward, killing three individuals. The victims were identified as Timothy Paul, 35, a resident of Mari village; Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, 51, the PDP Chairman for Lade Ward; and his 22-year-old son, Abdullahi Muhammad, both of whom were attacked and killed in Lile village. Their deaths were confirmed by medical personnel at a nearby hospital.
Shortly after the initial attack, another armed group numbering four reportedly invaded Aiyetoro Fulani Camp in Lile village around 3:00 am. During the assault, the assailants kidnapped a 12-year-old girl, identified as Hassana Abdullahi, the daughter of Mr. Abdullahi Jowuro, a resident of the camp.
The Kwara State Police Command stated that a joint tactical response team comprising police operatives, vigilante members, and local hunters had been mobilised to comb the surrounding bushes in search of the kidnappers and to rescue the abducted girl.
The police further assured the public that investigations have commenced in earnest to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, with a pledge that they will be brought to justice.
“The command remains committed to ensuring public safety and security. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies promptly,” the police statement read.
Meanwhile, the former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has condemned the killings in strong terms. In a statement issued by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki described the killings as barbaric, painful, and totally unacceptable.
“This is a devastating loss. I am heartbroken by the news of the gruesome killing of Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu Kpotun and his son. My thoughts and prayers are with their immediate family and the Patigi community during this difficult time,” Saraki stated.
He offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and urged Almighty Allah to grant them Aljanah Firdaus. He also prayed for strength and solace for the bereaved family and the wider Patigi community.
Saraki used the opportunity to call on security agencies and the Kwara State Government to act swiftly and proactively in addressing the deteriorating security situation across the state. He stressed the urgent need for decisive actions to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
“This rising tide of insecurity in our dear state must not be allowed to continue. Government and security agencies must act swiftly and decisively to prevent further tragedies,” he concluded.