Security forces kill three bandits, rescue businessman in Kwara

Three suspected bandits were neutralised while a kidnapped victim was rescued after security operatives foiled an attack on Aboki Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday night.

The attack, which occurred at about 10.15 pm, claimed the life of a resident identified simply as Musa.

The gunmen had invaded the community and opened fire indiscriminately before abducting a businessman, Tuhkur Sanni.

A resident, Aliyyu Ahmad, told The PUNCH on Wednesday that the assailants operated for about 15 minutes, forcing residents to flee in different directions as sounds of gunshots rang across the community.

He said community leaders, including the village head, immediately alerted security agencies through the Kaiama Bokobaru emergency communication platform, prompting a swift response from security personnel.

According to Ahmad, military personnel and other security operatives mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, leading to the rescue of the abducted businessman.

He said, “The bandits came into the community shooting sporadically to create fear. People ran in confusion because they could only hear gunshots in the darkness.

“The military responded immediately after receiving the distress call and engaged them. They were able to rescue the kidnapped victim, although he sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital.

“From the information available to us, three of the four bandits were neutralised during the operation.”

Ahmad said the pattern of the attack suggested that the businessman was the primary target, adding that the casualty figure could have been much higher if the entire community had been the focus of the assault.

He also recalled that Aboki Community suffered a similar attack about 15 years ago when armed men…