Oke-Ode bandit attack condemned as community leaders mourn 16 deaths and urge proactive government action to boost security in Kwara
Oke-Ode bandit attack has been condemned by the Oke-Ode Community Development Association after armed assailants killed 15 vigilantes and a village head, abducting five others in Kwara State.
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National President of the association, AbdulGaniyu Ajala-Bello, described the killings as a heartbreaking tragedy.
Speaking through National Publicity Secretary Kunle Akogun on Monday, he said the community was mourning deeply but would not be broken by fear.
“We commiserate with the families of the victims. We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the dead, quick recovery for the wounded, and the safe return of those abducted,” he stated.
Ajala-Bello acknowledged that the Oke-Ode bandit attack had created widespread fear among residents but urged calm, assuring that steps were being taken to confront the menace of insecurity in Ifelodun and surrounding areas.
He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements to the authorities, noting that the fight against insecurity must be a shared responsibility.
The association also called on both the Kwara State Government and the Federal Government to adopt decisive and proactive measures.
Ajala-Bello stressed the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies to bring an end to what he described as a growing scourge.
Banditry and kidnapping have plagued the North-Central region in recent years, with communities bearing the brunt of violent raids. In Sunday’s deadly Oke-Ode bandit attack,
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15 vigilantes and hunters were slain while five residents were taken hostage, leaving the town traumatised and demanding urgent action.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
