Fear has once again gripped Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State following a wave of violent attacks by armed bandits that left one man dead, dozens of cattle stolen, and the owner of a popular water factory abducted.
The assailants, who reportedly arrived in large numbers, first invaded Gbugbu community on Thursday afternoon, where they whisked away the proprietor of Yashashi Pure Water factory to an unknown destination.
Residents told reporters that the incident has heightened tension in the community, which has witnessed repeated cases of kidnapping and cattle rustling in recent months.
Just hours before the abduction, the marauders had launched another deadly raid on a Fulani settlement in Bokungi, Tsaragi axis of the same local government. The attack, which began around midnight on Wednesday, was marked by sporadic gunfire that sent residents fleeing into the bush.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers targeted the homesteads of two community leaders, Alhaji Garuba and Alhaji Mumini. In the process, Alhaji Mumini’s first son, Muhammadu — who had only recently married — was shot dead.
“When they could not break into Alhaji Garuba’s house, they went straight to his herd and rustled all his cows,” a community source recounted. “Nearly 1,000 cattle were taken away under heavy gunfire.”
The attackers were said to have passed through Fengewa with the stolen livestock, a move that attracted the attention of local vigilante groups and Nigerian Army troops. A brief gun duel reportedly ensued, though it remained unclear whether any of the stolen cattle were recovered or if arrests were made.
By dawn on Wednesday, traces of scattered cows were reportedly sighted in neighbouring Shegbe, fuelling speculation that some of the rustled livestock may have been intercepted.
The fresh violence has left residents of Edu deeply unsettled. Many lamented that communities have been forced to rely on vigilante groups for protection while government response remains slow.
“This tragedy happened when our Governor is said to be abroad on vacation. People here are asking why security agencies always arrive late or make no real effort,” a worried resident said.
