The Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umaru Seriki, has raised concerns over the emergence of a new terrorist group known as Mahmuda, which he says is occupying parts of Kwara North Senatorial District and neighboring communities in Niger State.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Daily Post on Sunday, the traditional ruler lamented the alleged neglect by authorities, despite repeated warnings and reports of attacks in the area.
“We are totally demoralized,” the Emir said. “We are not happy with what the authorities are saying—that there are no terrorists in our communities. We feel abandoned by the government and left to defend ourselves.”
Seriki noted that the insurgents have been operating not only in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State but have also extended their activities to the Borgu Kingdom in Niger State.
Recalling a recent attack, he revealed that a security vehicle purchased by local residents to support vigilante efforts was bombed by the terrorists. While no vigilante lives were lost in that particular incident, he confirmed that there were casualties on both sides.
“What is being reported on social media is actually true,” he said. “We are only praying to God for protection in this difficult time.”
However, the Kwara State Police Command has dismissed the Emir’s claims. In a statement issued on Saturday in Ilorin, spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi described the reports of terrorist presence and alleged killings of 15 vigilantes as “entirely false and devoid of any factual basis.”
According to the command, ongoing intelligence surveillance and threat assessments have not uncovered any evidence of terrorist activity or coordinated attacks in the affected areas.
“No breach of internal security has been observed or reported by our community engagement structures, including vigilante commanders and district heads,” the statement said.
The police further urged media outlets and members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of inciting fear.
“Under the leadership of CP Victor Adekimi Ojo, the Kwara State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and urges citizens to report suspicious activity through official channels,” the statement concluded.
