Prominent Vigilante Leader Slain, Women Taken Hostage in Kwara Gunmen Attack [Video]

Tragedy Strikes Kwara State: Gunmen Kill Vigilante Commander, Abduct Women.

A devastating incident has shaken the Igbaja community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as gunmen suspected to be kidnappers killed prominent vigilante commander, Chief Lukman Balogun, during a rescue operation. The commander was leading efforts to save three Fulani women abducted from the community on Sunday.

The Fatal Confrontation

On Monday evening, September 30, 2024, Balogun’s vigilante group engaged in a fierce gun battle with the kidnappers, resulting in the commander’s tragic death. The incident occurred on the Ogele-Yaaru road, where Balogun was tracking the kidnappers who had previously abducted a prominent resident of Igbaja.

Community in Mourning

Local youths took to the streets, protesting and expressing their anger and grief over the loss of their leader. The paramount ruler of Igbaja, Oba Ahmed Babalola Arepo III, urged calm among the protesters, describing Balogun’s death as a significant loss for the community. The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Alhaji Femi Yusuf, visited the area to offer condolences and pledged to intensify efforts to track down the kidnappers.

Ongoing Search and Rescue

A combined team of police, military, and vigilante members is currently searching the forests around Igbaja and Oke-Ode for the abducted women and two additional individuals kidnapped from Kajola village on Tuesday. Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, Coordinator of the Kwara South Elders Security Forum, confirmed the abduction of the five individuals and noted that Balogun died while attempting to rescue the kidnapped women.

Police Response

The state police command has described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured that efforts are ongoing to locate the kidnappers. This incident highlights the escalating insecurity concerns in the area, with residents calling for increased protection and swift justice.

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