Oke-Ode, Kwara State – October 4, 2025
By Bayonle Saminu
The agrarian community of Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has been thrown into mourning following a brutal bandit attack that claimed no fewer than 15 lives and forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday, September 28, turned what was once a peaceful town into a ghost settlement. Residents, including hunters, traders, and traditional leaders, were either killed, kidnapped, or displaced as the assailants invaded the town in the early hours of the day.
“We Gave Them Fire for Fire” – Hunter Recounts Horror
Survivors of the onslaught have alleged a security compromise, claiming that local hunters were disarmed shortly before the attack.
A hunter, who narrowly escaped the invasion, told this reporter that their guns had been taken by security personnel under the pretext of “servicing” them.
“It was a tough battle. Those people came with sophisticated weapons. We tried our best but were overwhelmed. The day before, a military officer collected most of our guns and ammunition for servicing. That same night, the attackers struck. It looked suspicious,” he said.
Community Leaders, Families Killed
Among those confirmed dead were the Baale of Ogba-Ayo, Abdulwasiu Abdulkareem; his brother, Fatai Abdulkareem; a prince from Agunjin, Ishola Muhammed; and several local hunters.
At Ogba-Ayo Quarters, the Baale and his relatives were killed in cold blood. A family member recounted that he hid in the roof while watching his brother and nephews shot dead.
Another resident, Gbemisola Muhammed, popularly called Yeye Oge, described how her husband, Prince Ishola Muhammed, was killed after attending a hunters’ meeting.
“He told me not to travel at night because he sensed danger. That was the last thing he ever said to me,” she lamented.
Families Wiped Out, Babies Kidnapped
Residents said entire families were wiped out during the raid. In Dabu village, a couple and their two-month-old baby were abducted.
A popular traditional hunter, Oluode Ologomo, known for his spiritual protection, was also killed after his charms were stripped off by the attackers.
A youth leader, Sesan Okeleye, decried that the slain hunters were community volunteers who received no government support.
“They died protecting their people without any pay. Somebody somewhere knows what is happening,” he said.
Mass Exodus and Deserted Institutions
By Wednesday, Oke-Ode was virtually empty. From Ajase-Ipo to Dabu, residents fled with few belongings as over 200 vehicles were reported to have evacuated villagers.
Even the School of Nursing, Oke-Ode, with over 700 students, has been relocated to Ilorin for safety.
“We couldn’t take chances with the lives of our students,” said a senior lecturer, Dr. Nasirudeen Tajudeen.
Government Reacts, Plans Civilian Task Force
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed sadness over the killings and vowed justice for the victims.
In a statement released on Friday, the governor announced plans to establish a civilian task force to strengthen local security and prevent further attacks.
He noted that the task force would operate in collaboration with security agencies and community vigilantes.
“They will not die in vain,” the governor declared. “We will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed intensified joint operations involving the Nigerian Army, DSS, and other agencies to restore calm in the area.
As of press time, Oke-Ode remains deserted, with residents uncertain about when or if they can ever return home.
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