Babanla and several neighbouring communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have been deserted after weekend attacks by suspected bandits that left five people, including a police officer, dead.
The assailants, believed to be members of the Mahmuda terrorist group—a Boko Haram faction operating in Kwara’s forested areas—stormed Babanla on motorcycles, attacking the Divisional Police Headquarters, raiding the main market, and abducting an unspecified number of residents.
They reportedly looted shops, stealing foodstuffs, drinks, and drugs, and fired sporadically during the two-hour assault.
Locals said the attackers, numbering over 200, approached from two routes. Victims included a Miyetti Allah security commander, his deputy, two civilians, and police officer Adejumo Wasiu.
Many residents have fled, with estimates suggesting over 3,000 people displaced from Babanla and at least 15 surrounding communities.
Eyewitnesses said some officers escaped the police station by scaling a fence, while residents described the once-busy town as a “ghost community.”
Chief Imam Lawal Sarafadeen said attacks began last year but intensified after the last Sallah festival.
Community leaders, including Oba Aliyu Alabi Yusuf Adegboyega and Eesinkin of Babanla Ismaila Olamilekan Salami, appealed for urgent government intervention, calling for a military barracks in the area.
The Eesinkin said four fighter jets have since been deployed to patrol nearby forests, bringing some relief.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo confirmed the assault, saying the attackers targeted both the police headquarters and the market.
He said a joint team of police, soldiers, vigilantes, and local hunters repelled the assault and has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
The police command pledged sustained armed patrols, intelligence gathering, and deployment of specialised tracking teams.
The Department of State Services (DSS) promised ongoing intelligence support.
In a statement, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s office said a security cordon had been established around Babanla, and security forces were working with the Office of the National Security Adviser to eliminate the threat.
The governor urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and avoid panic.
