By Our Correspondent
Ilorin, Kwara State — The Iwo community in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State was thrown into panic on Friday night after armed men invaded the area, killing a community leader and abducting three residents including a cleric of the Christ Apostolic Church CAC.
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen struck around 9.00 p m, targeting a filling station in the Sabaja area of the community. The attackers reportedly arrived in large numbers, shooting sporadically to create fear and confusion among residents.
During the raid, three individuals, the manager of the filling station, a security guard, and a CAC pastor, were seized and taken away by the assailants. Community members said the abducted victims were taken at random as the gunmen moved through the premises.
Tragically, Chief Raphael Adewuyi, a respected community leader in Sabaja, was killed after being hit by a stray bullet while inside his home. His death has caused widespread grief in the community, where he was known for his role in local development and mediation.
The Chairman of the Transition Implementation Committee for Isin Local Government Area, Tunde Fadipe, confirmed the incident, noting that local authorities, police operatives, and vigilante groups have launched a coordinated search and rescue operation. He assured residents that the government is committed to securing the release of the abducted victims.
The Kwara State Police Command, through its spokesperson SP Okasanmi Ajayi, also verified the attack. He stated that officers had been deployed to comb surrounding forests and strategic locations in an effort to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims unharmed.
Meanwhile, community sources revealed that the kidnappers have contacted the families of the victims and reportedly demanded a ransom running into millions of naira, though security agencies have not confirmed the amount.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about increasing cases of banditry and kidnapping in parts of Kwara State, with residents calling for greater security presence and stronger measures to curb criminal activities.
Authorities have appealed to the public for useful information that could support investigations and assist in the rescue efforts.
