The Babanla village in Kwara State’s Ifelodun Local Government Area, which was recently named as one of the state’s banditry hotspots, has taken a daring and decisive step in addressing the increasing insecurity in the area at the local level.
Unverified rumors state that the Community Development Association, or CDA, has called on all ward leaders and traditional chiefs to return to Babanla and live there at this crucial time.
After suspected bandits repeatedly invaded parts of the territory, we learned that many traditional leaders in the local administration had previously moved to Ilorin, the state capital.
The order, which aims to create a unified front, comes as tensions have increased following a series of armed attacker incidents.
A number of concerning kidnappings have occurred in the community in recent days, including the kidnapping of two minors from the home of the Olori (the community head’s wife). It was only six days ago that the incident happened.
However, the Olori barely survived the attempted kidnapping, so the two teenage children were taken instead.
The youngsters are allegedly being detained at a place close to Baba Sango, and the abductors have reportedly demanded an incredible N200 million ransom to free them.
To make matters worse, about ten days ago, the chairman of the Babanla Branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, or NURTW, was also abducted.
According to reports, his captors are requesting N10 million in ransom after purposefully incapacitating him to stop any effort at escape.
Since then, there have been accusations made against certain well-known members of the community who are alleged to have served as informants and given the bandits logistical support. Calls for a comprehensive inquiry and increased internal vigilance have been triggered by these unverified assertions.
Assuring citizens that efforts are being made to solve the situation holistically, community leaders are now advising people to maintain composure, cooperation, and vigilance.
To stop any attacks and ensure the safe return of the abducted victims, security personnel are anticipated to step up their activities in the region.
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