The Kwara State Police Command has begun an investigation into two incidents which occurred on Sunday, April 21, 2025, in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of the state where suspected bandits murdered seven persons – six in Ilesha Baruba and one vigilante during forest patrol in Kemanji.
The police have also arrested a suspected informant linked to bandits’ network, just as tactical efforts have been intensified across the affected regions.
Disclosing how the incident occurred in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kwara, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said: “At about 2130hrs (9:30p.m.), suspected armed men, numbering 10, stormed the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park and opened fire indiscriminately at civilians gathered at a nearby relaxation spot.
“As a result, six person, identified as Alhaji Ja’awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu, and three others, lost their lives, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries.
“The deceased have been deposited at the Ilesha Baruba Morgue for autopsy, while the injured are receiving treatment.
“An investigation has been initiated, and full security measures have been implemented to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
She stated further that relatedly, another incident had occurred earlier on the same day at about 11:30a.m., whereby a Kemanji-based vigilante group on routine foot patrol encountered suspected bandits within the Kainji National Park area.
“In the course of a gun duel, three of the suspected bandits suffered fatal gunshot wounds, while a member of the vigilante, Yusuf Samba, who was shot, later succumbed to the injury.
“Our investigation culminated in the arrest of an informant, who admitted to collaborating with a group of bandits. This individual has proven to be a valuable asset in advancing the investigation,” the PPRO said.
The spokesperson said that the Command has assured the residents of both communities a that full security architecture has been activated, including tactical teams, intensified surveillance, and intelligence-led operations.
She added that the security architecture is aimed at restoring peace and order.
“Citizens are urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies,” she enjoined, warning: “Let it be made categorically clear that anyone aiding or abetting crime in any part of the state will face the full weight of the law.”
