A Baasi gunmen attack in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State,Nigeria has left a woman dead and her husband seriously injured after suspected kidnappers reportedly invaded their residence late Sunday night.
Kaseem Jenrade reports that the incident occurred at about 11:30pm in Baasi, when about three armed men allegedly gained access to the residence of Alhaji Saleh Seidu, a 46-year-old native of Siroro Local Government Area of Niger State who had settled in the community.
According to an eyewitness, the attackers entered the house through the back door and attempted to abduct Seidu.
The victim reportedly resisted the alleged kidnapping attempt and struggled to escape from the attackers.
Woman Killed During Baasi Kidnap Attempt
The situation reportedly turned deadly when one of Seidu’s wives attempted to open the entrance door during the struggle.
According to the account provided, one of the attackers fired a shot, hitting the woman.
She reportedly died instantly from the gunshot wound.
The attackers also allegedly inflicted serious injuries on Seidu before fleeing the area.
The deceased was subsequently buried according to Islamic rites, while her injured husband was taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical treatment.
Son recounts family’s ordeal
One of the victim’s sons, Shuaibu Saleh, described the incident as a traumatic experience for the family.
According to him, about three attackers invaded the residence during the night.
Shuaibu alleged that the attackers were Fulani, while recounting how his father was seriously injured and his mother was shot dead during the incident.
The allegation about the attackers’ identity could not be independently verified from the information available.
The family is now dealing with the death of the woman while Seidu continues to receive treatment for injuries sustained during the attack.
Baasi Community Reacts to Deadly Attack
Baasi Community Chairman, Prince Tajudeen Ashafa, expressed shock over the incident on behalf of the Onibaasi of Baasi, Oba Sunday Azeez Babatunde.
Ashafa said he received information about the attack early Monday morning while returning from the mosque.
He confirmed that the remains of the deceased had been buried in accordance with Islamic tradition.
The community leader said the incident had heightened concerns about security in the area and emphasised the need for residents to remain vigilant.
Community outlines security measures
Ashafa said the community had already begun taking steps aimed at addressing insecurity and preventing a recurrence.
He urged residents to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious movements or activities within the community.
The latest incident has renewed concerns about the safety of residents in parts of Atisbo Local Government Area, particularly at night.
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The circumstances surrounding the attack, including the identity and whereabouts of the suspected attackers, remain unclear based on the information provided.
Investigation Expected After Baasi Attack
The death of the woman and serious injuries suffered by her husband have raised fresh concerns over the security situation in the community.
Residents will be hoping that security authorities can establish what happened, identify those responsible and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The incident also highlights the risks faced by families during attempted kidnappings, where resistance or intervention by relatives can quickly escalate into deadly violence.
For the people of Baasi, the priority now is ensuring that the community does not experience another attack of this nature.
Authorities and community leaders are expected to work together to strengthen security arrangements and protect residents from further attacks.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over the prevalence of kidnapping and other violent attacks across parts of Oke Ogun, where residents in some communities have continued to raise alarm over insecurity, particularly in rural and isolated areas.
The difficult terrain, expansive forests and distances between some settlements have repeatedly raised security concerns, with communities calling for stronger surveillance, improved security presence and faster response to distress situations.
The Baasi incident has therefore renewed calls for concerted action by security agencies, traditional institutions, local authorities and residents to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property across Oke Ogun.
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